New Grower field trip

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With most people finished a very busy viburnum season it was time again for our late October field trip. This field trip was focused on new growers who have recently purchased existing flower growing properties with the idea that OFFGA members could enjoy viewing properties they have never been to before while giving advice to new growers who may grow the same crops.

The day saw 30 growers turn up to the field trip which started at Tim & Anna Wall's property in Kauri Point (Katikati). We heard from Tim and Anna about the challenges of coming into a floriculture business without a horticultural background. Discussion was had about the best way to tie up King Protea as well managing berry drop in viburnum berries. With about half of the 7.5 acres currently planted Tim and Anna plan to get the property up to full production over the next 5 years.

The next property we visited was Mark and Karen Baddeley's in Aongatete. A very interesting property with wide range of crops used for both export and local market. An impressive looking Protea crop was the main point of interest on this property. Mark talked about early set backs when first taking over the property and plans for renewing some of the crops. They also treated us with some amazing baking for our lunch break.

The third property was Alan & Alison McDonalds' place in Pahoia. The McDonalds took their place over in May and have one of the biggest hydrangea growing operations in the Bay of Plenty. Their winter crops are pieris bud , hellebores and viburnum opulus .

A very wet winter made for a challenging start to their floricultural careers

The property is run as a family unit and all involved are looking forward to the upcoming hydrangea season. There were many hydrangea growers on the field trip who where able to offer advice to the McDonalds for the up coming season .