Nau mai, haere mai,
May signals the end of autumn and our trees have been showing off their gorgeous autumn colours.
May has also been full of bonsai and garden activities. To celebrate 30 years of the Hamilton Gardens Volunteers, the council put on a meal for everyone at Palate restaurant in Hamilton. Peter finished his shift at the gardens, drove home to collect Ann and then back to Hamilton for a delicious meal with some great New Zealand wine (for Ann).
Lucy, the director of the Gardens, presented a framed poem about the generosity and dedication that the volunteers have given to the Gardens over the years to two of the longest serving members. Sadly, less than a week later Rena passed away. This was a timely reminder of the fragility of life and how we should live our lives to the full.
The following night we attended a book signing by Peter Sergel, the original designer of Hamilton Gardens. He gave a wonderful talk on his new book which is full of insights and humorous anecdotes.
The bonsai club did their annual round of visits to see member’s collections. We were the last stop on the tour on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
With some muscle on hand Peter managed to get a large Olive tree belonging to one of our club members moved.
Peter ordered three new wagons for his layout earlier this year. These all carry a Cadbury livery and look very nice on the layout.
Azaria, Carolien and Ray came for dinner. Peter cooked a couple of Asian style dishes. Ray was very impressed by Peter’s model railway layout.
We had our monthly bonsai club meeting and Ann attended a workshop with New Zealand artist Adrian Bird.
Peter also gave a talk to the Cambridge Garden Club on all things bonsai (Ann went as his support person). There were lots of compliments about his talk and the trees we took to show off (and only one comment on the cruelty of bonsai)!
With fewer volunteers at Hamilton Gardens Peter is now doing two afternoon shifts per fortnight.
The girls are fine – still loving their walks, car rides and treats!
