Houghton Valley Email Newsletter
24 January, 2011
A big welcome to new email members! Isn’t the weather lovely?
Eatable weeds list: A list of eatable weeds that grow in View Rd Park has been made. So far about 15 have been identified. A booklet will eventually be produced with photos and explanations. The plants identified so far are: NZ spinach, Wild turnip, Borage, Cat’s ear, Karamu, Taupata, Yarrow, Fennel, Blackberry, Deadly Nightshade, Puha and Valerium.
Ideas for Houghton Bay: Several locals have come up with ideas for Houghton Bay that maybe of interest:
- Arts trail around the local artists’ studios;
- Friendship evenings at the hall including a speaker;
- A proper notice board outside the Community Hall;
- Pedestrian boardwalk between the pavement and the sea from Houghton Bay to Island Bay – cyclists could then use the pavement;
- Alice Kreb Lodge as accommodation for an artist or writer’s residency;
- Creating a local website – a good example is http://grandarts.org/ A Christchurch web designer has offered this one for emerging communities – http://placerama.com/ (Link not current.)
Do you have more ideas?
Non- Emailers: Last week’s email news was printed out for non- emailers by Christine from Cave Rd. If you know of anyone who would like a hard copy please ring Christine.
Houghton Valley Community Garden: The dirt doctors, Hana and Jacob have been giving the locals useful advice about composting. They make compost mounds, about 1×1 metre, from sticks, green stuff, seaweed, manure etc. When it begins to heat up, they create a hole in the middle for household waste. The heat keeps the rats and mice at bay. After a good storm they collect seaweed at Lyall Bay. They drag it up onto the rocks and leave it until after rain has fallen before taking it to the garden (the rain washes out the salt).
Australearn: US students from Australearn helped dig out tracks at Houghton Valley last week. The tracks make it easier to access the garden and school playground. Dave did a fabulous job at organising this. Thanks Dave!
I would love any ideas you have for the newsletter and any photos (please keep them small) that are relevant to the community.
Sam