New Zealand Bamboo Society
Annual conference and AGM at New Plymouth 23rd-25th February 2007
Friday 23rd February 2007
Some of us got together with Dave & Chris at their Bamboo-inspired home. Spent an inspiring evening greeting old friends, making new ones, and being once again astonished at the artistry around the house and garden. So much to examine and learn from!
Saturday 24th February 2007
We all gathered at Dave & Chris's, then drove in convoy to Founders Park, Pembroke Street.
This Park was planted in 1991 with lots and lots of native Trees.
There is also a huge grove of Phyllostachys nigra henonis bamboo, which we walked into and discussed what had been done to harvest canes.
We then drove East around the coast to visit Glyn & Gail Church's Garden Woodleigh.
They have a lovely garden which includes bamboos. There is an especially spectacular grove of Phyllostachys edulis heterocycla, or Tortoiseshell bamboo. Some of the smaller bamboos we were able to identify for Glyn, although there was one we failed to name.
We took a lunch break in their garden, then we finished our tour.
Finally we visited Matthew & Hayley Allen's huge Moso plantation.
This is the largest planting of Moso in New Zealand, and was awe-inspiring.
The evening was a treat. Chris & Dave had organised a barbeque and finger food dinner, which we enjoyed as their garden took on another character - with candles in paper bags lighting the bamboos. And only then did we discover more talent in our midst! Chris Bacchus entertained us with his violin and flute, and Larry Rueter joined him on Dave's guitar. A magic night under the stars.
Sunday 25th February 2007
The Annual General Meeting took place at Dave & Chris's home, followed by the plant auction.
Once again Chris & Dave had catered for hungry bamboo lovers.
Then we took a guided tour of their garden before dispersing to our various homes.
Every time we drive away from a Bamboo Society function we declare it was the best ever..... and every time we are right! So many new ideas, so much to absorb, and such wonderful people to share the weekend with.
Thank you Chris!! Thank you Dave !!
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