New Zealand Alpine Garden Society Study Weekend 2013

[Doreen Mear]

The New Zealand Alpine Garden Society invites you to their forthcoming Study Weekend, ‘In From The Wild: from the Great Outdoors to our Gardens’ to be held at Lincoln University, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand from 1st to 3rd February 2013.

We extend a warm welcome to our two overseas guest speakers, HARRY JANS from the Netherlands and BOB WALLIS from Wales. Harry is well-known as a world traveller and top-class photographer and will be speaking about his travels and how some of the alpine plants he has seen grow in his garden at just 70 ft above sea level! Bob is an expert on bulbous plants, having travelled widely in Europe, Morocco, North America and the Middle East in search of bulbs. He and wife Rannveig maintain a large garden and extensive bulb collection, as well as running their ‘Buried Treasure’ bulb nursery and ‘Buried Promises’ seed business, so we look forward to learning from Bob’s wide experience and hands-on practical advice. 

Also on offer are a new DVD from Ian Young, talks and workshops from local presenters, a visit to Broadfields Garden in Christchurch, and the ever-popular specialist plant sales. Finally we hope to round off the weekend with a field trip on the Monday to check out the native flora of the nearby Craigieburn Skifield.
 
Register your interest now  and start planning your New Zealand holiday!

[Lesley Cox]

Thanks for this Doreen. It all seems much closer once "official" word is out. I hope the Czech Conference doesn't keep away any prospective overseas attenders.

[Maggi Young]

Jean Wyllie ( 'the Wily Wifie') would be posting now to say that she is much looking forward to attending.... but she is in hospital right now, having undergone surgery earlier in the week.
Jean is a great fan of all things NZ!
She's determined to be in NZ for the conference ....and for her son's wedding, of course!  

[Doreen Mear]

Maggi, if you're in touch with Jean, please pass on our very best wishes for a speedy recovery from all of us down under. She has ten months to get back on her feet and get down here -  and by hook or by crook, I'm sure she'll manage it!

[Maggi Young]

Ian spoke to Jean on the phone this morning... she's back home already. Putting her feet up, I hope!
She'll be around the forum soon, I guess.... I expect she's already been online to see what we've been up to!

[kiwi]

Today my Wife and Daughter and I visited Broadfield Garden to see the Rhodo and Azalea display. We met the owner, David Hobbs, who was a really top bloke. He gave us some great advice and even cuttings to go. I had to post some photos to inspire / excite anyone who is coming to the Study weekend. I have never seen a better display of NZ natives in both formal and informal settings.
There is so much to see on this 8 acres of 'heaven',  this is just a tease, don't want to spoil all the treasures!

[Maggi Young]

Your photos show a wonderful garden Doug, sure to tempt the traveller.

Bit worried about the size of the sparrows though, for the nervous visitor - your daughter seems relaxed enough with it , but it's a bit bigger than I'm used to! 

[Lesley Cox]

Thanks indeed Doug, for that pre-taste. I had been seriously wondering about options for the Study Weekend. It looks like a lovely place and anywhere that shows native plantings in imaginative and appropriate settings would be welcome. So often natives are badly used and I among others am tempted to be ultra-bored by the endless plantings of roadside grasses and cabbage trees. The wet spring we're having is keeping the place fresh and lush-looking too.

[fermi de Sousa]

Today my Wife and Daughter and I visited Broadfield Garden to see the Rhodo and Azalea display. We met the owner, David Hobbs, who was a really top bloke. He gave us some great advice and even cuttings to go. I had to post some photos to inspire / excite anyone who is coming to the Study weekend.

Hmmm, seems we'll have to choose between the workshops and the visit to Broadfields! How to choose?
I wonder if they'll be providing a bus?
cheers
fermi

[Doreen Mear]

Doug: Great publicity, thank you! You're one up on me, I've not been to Broadfields yet, and am in the same quandary as Fermi as to whether to go to the workshops or go to Broadfields. Decisions, decisions!

Hmmm, seems we'll have to choose between the workshops and the visit to Broadfields! How to choose?
I wonder if they'll be providing a bus?
cheers
fermi

Yes, Fermi, free transport to Broadfields will be organised, a bus if there's lots of us, maybe car-pooling otherwise. Don't panic, we won't leave you behind!

[fermi de Sousa]

Thanks for the reassurance, Doreen
Looking forward to the Study Weekend!
We're booked on a flight to arrive the afternoon of the rego day, so we just need to find our way to Lincoln from the airport. Not sure whether we'll hire a car or get a taxi/bus to the Uni.
Last time we arrived a few days early so we had a hire car which we returned when we got to the Uni and Lesley was kind enough to pick me up from the airport when I returned it. We [Otto, Cynthia and I] got a lift to Mt Cook with Lesley and David Lyttle. This time Di Barrie will be with us as well. We'll have a few days after the Weekend to spend visiting gardens and friends.
cheers
fermi

[Doreen Mear]

Fermi - We'll look into the shuttle service for you between the airport and Lincoln campus - think it used to be about $50 one-way (that's for the vehicle, not per person) but we'll find out.

Should just recap - although transport to Broadlands on Saturday is provided, everyone needs their own transport to get to Craigieburn on the Monday. We'll put up a list at the weekend to get names and organise car-pooling. Again, we'll try not to leave anyone behind! 

If you're staying on for a few days, you could always do the Saturday workshops, then do a private visit to Broadlands later in the week (might do that myself, in fact!)

Doreen

[fermi de Sousa]

Doreen, we've been offered a lift by friendly forumist Susan, who is also attending!
We are staying a few days after the weekend so we'll have to discuss amongst the group from the AGS VG what we do!
cheers
fermi

[Maggi Young]

It seems there are new contacts available for this event:
e-mail study@nzags.com for more info and booking forms  and there is the opportunity
to book and pay on-line with PayPal on the website www.nzags.com

[Maggi Young]

Not sure Ive got the time zone difference worked out correctly but I think that the delegates will be assembling for this event - I know that there have been travellers on the move for a while from the UK so I hope everyone is safely arrived.

Here's hoping you all have a great time - and that the weather is wonderful for the trips!