Fun and fundraising at garden night
The second Mitre 10 National Garden Night will be held at Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson, on Thursday, October 6, from 6pm till 9pm.
This is always a popular event, with more than 500 people attending last year.
Gardening groups and garden suppliers set up stands around the store, showcasing their products and services – everything from backyard bees, with their glass front hive, to bonsai growing, tree and rose care, tomato and potato growing and much more.
Customers will have the opportunity to build a birdhouse or planter box, have a go at paving and concreting, try out top-of-the line pruning saws and secateurs, learn about outdoor furniture care and catch up with new release garden products.
There’s a Steelfort lawnmower to be won – all you have to do is be able to start it – and a Karcher waterblaster is also up for grabs.
Marketing co-ordinator Murray Leaning says: ‘‘It’s a fantastic night, where the emphasis is on fun, and fundraising – this year’s recipient will be the Breast Cancer Awareness appeal. We’ll have a couple of raffles going, and at the end of the night, we’ll be auctioning some cool items, with all of the proceeds going to the appeal.
‘‘It’s a great opportunity for our customers, and any gardening enthusiasts, to have a chat to our experienced, friendly team, about what our award-winning garden centre has to offer; there’s lots of new plants, pots, water features, paving displays to have a good look at. We’ll have some super special deals available, just for garden night.’’
This year, there are a couple of special guests attending – Easy As Stan, the Mitre 10 DIY TV guru, returns with another garden project up his sleeve. Last year
Stan made a magnificent macrocarpa picnic table in a couple of hours. It was auctioned at the end of the night. The successful bidder was delighted with her purchase and to see the money going to a great charity.
Another favourite guest returns – Lynda Hallinan, NZ Gardener and Sunday Star Times Columnist, and star of the Get Growing TV shows, will be there to entertain and inform the guests. She has an absolute mountain of knowledge on all things gardening. Expect a really entertaining question and answer session from the attendees.
Leaning says: ‘‘There’s a good chance to mingle with both of the celebrities; get some selfies, and to get some gardening and DIY tips. Guests can check out the latest trends in paving and landscaping in the trade area, see the fantastic selection available in garden lighting, and browse the huge range of this season’s beautiful outdoor furniture and barbecues.’’
There is no charge for attending - but a small donation to the appeal would be welcomed - and there are complimentary nibbles and drinks as well as some giveaways and spot prizes.
Booking is advised, as numbers are limited to 500, so it’s first in first served. You can email admin@meganelson.co.nz, call in to the store, or phone (03) 547 0747 to secure your spot.