A concoction of banana peels, eggshells, coffee grinds and Epsom salts works wonders for Joyce Bullock’s roses, which are in full flower for the Māpua Garden Tour this weekend.
When Joyce and her husband Richard bought their Māpua home five years ago, the section had little more than grass, and with gardening in her genes, Joyce set about transforming it into a flower garden that blooms under her care.
“The definition of green fingers is hard work,” she says. “But I love it and you end up sleeping like a log.”
At 83, she has plenty of energy for that hard work, as well as fitting in yoga, ukelele and plenty of talking. She’s a self-described butterfly, flitting from one subject to another, which is why a conversation with her covers a lot of territory.
Much of that energy is channelled into gardening and creating a peaceful space.
“It’s something to reflect on and enjoy and count blessings at the end of the day,” she says.
After maintaining a large garden in Ruby Bay for years, Richard didn’t want too much lawn around their Mapua home, apart from a strip at the front which is now looking a bit burnt from fertiliser in the lead-up to the garden tour.
“I contemplated divorce. But after 58 years of marriage, I can’t divorce him for some other lucky lady to gain from all the good work I’ve put into him!”
Joking aside, Richard manages the vegetable garden, making the most of its compact space – though Joyce admits she occasionally sneaks in an extra plant or two.
She has more than a few tips for those who visit her garden. The rose fertiliser recipe includes two parts chopped banana skins, two parts eggshells that have been in the kitchen whizz, one part dried, ground coffee and one part Epsom salts. Her other tip for roses is a big soak once a week.
Fourteen gardens are open to the public this weekend for the annual Māpua School fundraiser, which also features artists capturing the creativity in gardens, interactive workshops, musicians, and food along the way.
Tickets for the garden tour can be purchased at www.foms.nz/events
