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The Motueka Horticultural Society has been a longstanding pillar of the local gardening community for more than 140 years, with records showing its first Spring Show was held in December 1880.
That inaugural event took place in the Sunday school room of the old Church of England, which was decorated with nikau palm fronds, tree ferns and floral displays. The announcement for the show noted that “the Lady Barkly will make an Excursion trip to Motueka, returning to Nelson in the Evening”.
For many years, spring and autumn shows provided a social and competitive forum where gardeners and growers showed flowers, fruit, vegetables and even dairy produce – all reflecting the region’s rich soils, favourable growing conditions and strong horticultural aptitude.
Although the shows are no longer held, the society continues to this day, bringing the community together around a shared love of gardening and growing.
Membership currently sits at about 55. Monthly meetings feature a varied calendar of events, including visits to local gardens or nurseries and guest speakers.
Members often bring items for a sales table, or a special flower or plant for show-and-tell.
Many readers will know Joel Briffault of Crafted Earth nursery from his stalls at the Nelson and Motueka markets and in the Motueka Valley. Joel was a guest speaker at a recent meeting, enthralling members with his passion for organic growing of vegetable and herb seedlings and perennial flowers.
New visitors are welcome.
For more information, email gardenersmotueka@gmail.com.
