Nursery on move

Cardboard milk cartons needed

The Native Tree Nursery, which has been used to grow trees for the Maara Roa restoration project and school plantings, is being re-established at Aotea College.

The college has provided a roomy fenced-off area with a shade house, a large shed and garden beds already in use by students, says Friends of Maara Roa spokesperson Sylvia Jenkin.

The nursery had been at Porirua College since 2002, under the management of Neil and Juliet Bellingham.

With help from the Friends of Maara Roa volunteers, it grew up to 5000 trees annually, she says.

‘‘Support is provided by Trees for Survival, an organisation which sponsors a plant growing unit at schools for developing seedlings,’’ says Ms Jenkin.

‘‘ Redevelopment at Porirua College precipitated a move for the nursery and Friends of Maara Roa are thankful Aotea College has a suitable space and is keen to host the nursery.’’

‘‘Recycled milk cartons (cardboard ones) are trimmed and used as plant pots, and the nursery urgently needs more of these.’’

Readers who would like to help, please rinse and dry used milk cartons and take them to Aotea College nursery on Thursday mornings or to Glenview School’s Maara Roa workshop on the second Saturday morning month.

Website: Maararoa.org.nz.

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Room to grow: The new Native Tree Nursery area at Aotea College.

Milking it: Cleaned out, cut-up cardboard milk bottle cartons make for useful plant pots. The nursery desperately needs more donated.