Monthly Meetings Brief News & Images
May 2023
Mike king local Kapiti resident with over a decade experience as an arborist has always had an interest in nature.
For the last five years Mike has made a deep dive into the word of foraging and finding uses for wild plants.
Mike has really focused on developing and expanding on New Zealand's native spice range.
He uses Ice cream as a way to showcase flavours to the public and runs regular foraging tours
with botanical ice cream tasting at the Botanic gardens in Wellington and at Haruatai park in Otaki.
Mike also works as a S.T.E.M. Field based facilitator traveling to schools all around New Zealand helping teachers find ways to
connect to the plants growing on school grounds.
For more information about foraging tour dates or having mike come to your school check his website.
April 2023 - Feijoa season
To help with the glut, there are recipies for a lovely Feijoa Coconut Cake with Streusel Topping in the latest Bay Tree
March 2023 - Cheryl from Mitre 10
Cheryl shared about the new seeds especially designed to encourage children to grow plants. I purchased the Pop Star Strawberry popcorn seeds.
Our two grandsons planted and looked after them. Much to their surprise out popped little red corn. We had much delight in popping them, and yes they tasted like normal popcorn.
Pink on the inside, white on the outside. Its certainly given them a thrill to plant more.
March 2023 Herb Awareness Month
We had the privilege of Hearing from Sheila Jolley speaking on Sorrel, Karina Hilterman on Matipou, Marie Marsden on Rosemary and Robyn Janse on Ginger.
Pomanders - October 2022
Pomanders and Yuletide
For hundreds of years, Yuletide brought oranges and cloves, some of which would be fashioned into pomanders to tantalize the nose and perfume the holiday home.
~Health giving citrus and antiseptic buds, melding the scent of zest and heady groves into pomander "nosegays" Making a pomander is as simple as studding an apple, clementine or orange with cloves (leaving just enough space between for them to shrink together shoulder to shoulder). In the process, the cloves wick out all of the moisture and preserve the scent of Yuletide for years to come.
Making one is like crafting a simple fragrant meditation. I have great memories of decorating pomanders with friends and family throughout the 12 days of Christmas,
Several museums have pomanders that are hundreds of years old in their collections.
December 2022 - Mary Potter Hospice Garden
Thank you to all those who have lovingly weeded and planted new herbs in our herb garden. Its looking and smelling wonderful. The bees are loving the lavender plants.
We are still looking for for more volunteers for weeding etc.
Please if you are able to, put your name down. Only an hour twice a month is required.
We really appreciate your help, and the hospice staff and clients enjoy the herbs, plants and beautiful fragrance and serenity of the garden.
Christmas December 2022
A big thank you to everyone that made this year a success.
For those of our members that are going on holiday, safe journeys and have a relaxing holiday time; to everyone else may you have a wonderful Christmas time with family and friends. May everyone have a safe and healthy 2023.
See you back with us in February on Valentine's day, 14-2-2023
Beryl (Kapiti Herb Society President)
December 2022
Gail moved on from our Her society to live in the beautiful South Island.
Amongst her many abilities Gail produced the Societies "Bay Tree" Newsletter and updated the website.
Recently Gail and Karina had a lovely time catching up.
November 2022 - Speaker Nisa
Nisa talked about herbs she uses for cooking and also her job in our local Kapiti Library.
Nisa also runs craft groups at the library, these are free, but you need to book to go to them.
October 2022 - Anne Petersen
Congratulations are in order for one of our members; Anne Petersen!
She has completed all 12 modules of the Herb Federation of New Zealand’s ‘Herb Certificate Course’; her average score over these modules was 94.5%. This is wonderful and she completed them
Anne is one of our Kapiti Herb Society members and we are delighted to present her with her certificate at our October meeting.
October 2022 - Elizabeth Holman
Elizabeth Holman was our speaker at our October 11th meeting.
She chose the theme of “Fruit & Vegetables in Floral Art Displays”. She explained some of the materials used to create designs besides the flora.
Elizabeth suggested to Marie Marsden that she would make the class partly a workshop as socializing whilst preparing a traditional Orange Pomander is a perfect combination!
At the end of the eleven years Elizabeth achieved The Junior Attainment Certificate presented by Wellington area Floral Art Society NZ.
September 2022 - Cheryl M10
We had a very interesting talk from Cheryl this month from Mitre 10.She talked about Spring planting, and how many people are wanting to get into the garden now.
With the weather being so wet, they're wanting to get planting, but she explained that the soil is still too wet and cold. She suggested we wait until October. Especially Tomatoes, as they need the ground to be warmer.
BUS TRIP held Tuesday 18 October 2022
Sun was shining so no-one was apprehensive about the weather.
The Greenery at Manakau
Tina, who, alongside her husband Grant, own the garden centre, gave an informative talk about the beginnings of the business
August 2022 - Marie shared her knowledge of Chervil
Chervil was formerly called Myrthis, due to its Volatile oil with an Aroma similar to the resin
substance of Myrrh. This delicate herb originated in the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe- a principal herb of French
Cuisine. It was used by the Ancient Greeks to create healing Spring Tonics, and herbalists the world ..
Over to cure the likes of Digestive problems.
August 2022 - Bee Keeping
The topic of course “beekeeping’ a passion of his and more specifically to share with you just how special and wonderful bees are and some facts about them with you as to why they are so special.
To be a beekeeper is a privilege as you quickly learn of the relationship we have with bees that has endured time, honey has been found in the Egyptian tombs! Still edible after thousands of years.
I talked about “bee time” … nothing is fast when you are working with bees, everything you do is slow and gentle and then the bees are gentle and calm too.
July 2022 - Anne Bennett-Eustace (Aromatherapy)
Last month Anne Bennett-Eustace gave an informative talk to members on the practice of aromatherapy. Anne told us how to best experience an oil by shutting our eyes, imagine the part of the plant it comes from and to ask 'Does it appeal?' 'How would you describe the smell?' 'What words come to mind?' 'Does it evoke any memories?' We then had the opportunity to 'test' a number of oils including sweet orange and geranium and to learn of their uses and benefits.
July 2022 - Marie Marsden
These last school holidays one of the members of our committee, Marie Marsden, was asked if she would talk to a children's outdoor education group. This is her report.
In the School holidays, I was asked by my daughter to talk to some young children about the use and growing of herbs.
Joanne runs a programme outdoors on a regular basis teaching children bushcraft etc. They had done some foraging for wild edible plants, and thought this would educate them further.
June 2022 - Soup Tasting Month
It's something we look forward to every year - our annual soup tasting month, always popular, always delicious! This year we were treated to three soups, Pumpkin & Bacon, Chicken & Vegetable and Kumara & Carrot Soup with Coconut Milk, accompanied by crusty bread and herb butters.
Before the tasting began, we tested our knowledge of all things herbs with a quiz and were duly awarded with a chocolate fish for all our efforts.
June 2022 - Winter Coughs
As winter coughs and colds become more prevalent over the next couple of months, it is good to be reminded of some natural remedies we can make using herbs from our garden. Below is a recipe for Thyme Cough Syrup.
1 part honey, 1/2 part thymes leaves, 1/2 part chopped ginger
Put thyme and ginger in a saucepan and cover generously with water. Slowly bring to the boil then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer gently for 20-30 mins. Allow to cool slightly then strain into a clean bowl. Add honey. Mix well, allow to cool and then store in the fridge for 2 weeks.
April 2022 - Lisa from Waikawa Fresh
This month we were honoured to have Lisa from Waikawa Fresh speak at our April Meeting. She gave us a very informative talk about their business which focuses on growing leafy greens.
In 2018 Lisa and her husband swapped suburban life for a slice of rural bliss and have not looked back. When they began their search, they knew they wanted to be rural and work in food production. One option they considered included a pickled onion business!
Eventually they found what they were looking for and now live and work on a 10 acre farm with their three kids and eat their own greens every day.
ANZAC DAY 25 April 2022
The Anzac poppy is the most powerful symbol relating to the impact of war in New Zealand society. The red poppy is an international symbol of war remembrance, and is usually worn in New Zealand the day before and on Anzac Day, 25 April, and can also be seen at major commemorative events, military funerals, war graves and cemeteries in New Zealand and around the world.
The red or Flanders poppy was one of the first flowers to grow in the mud and soil of the First World War battlefields in Flanders.
June 2021
Our annual soup tasting month went over with everyone commenting on the three delicious soups they sampled. Thanks to the committee members who always come up with unique soup themes and produce herbal tastes for all of us to enjoy!
May 2021
A scheduled presenter couldn't make our May meeting so again one of our members stepped up and gave us a stimulating presentation. Hanna Emke introduced us to 6 herb plants that have extremely powerful healing qualities. She brought along samples that we could see, feel and smell. Excellent presentation.
March 2021
We had an unexpected speaker cancellation but members, Helen and Carmel talked about their experiences with Komubucha letting us know what to do and how to produce this delicious healthy drink.
Sheila stepped up and gave us her take on Sissinghurst and Barnsley House gardens in England.
For being a spur of the moment program it was a 'bang on' success.
Check out the beautiful rose bouquets that were on our Sales Table and made by Di Jennings.
Isobel Gosling in Waikanae
February 2021
Our regular meeting started at the centre with the usual program and after tea, we all headed out and enjoyed our visit this month to three very different and unique gardens. Gardens that belong to three of our own members.
A shout out of thanks goes out to: Jude and Vic Young, in Avion Terrace, Sandra and Kevin Bly at Monarch Place.
During the year we have food, a gift raffle and plants galore for sale for $2.00 each.
Come and join our friendly 'Herby' group
December 2020
We all enjoyed our Christmas celebration with each other. The food was brought by all members and what a buffet array.
Quizzes, discussions, and just plain good fun were enjoyed by all.
September 2020
Mike King gave us an overall view of his work as a wild forager and an introduction to his business 'Finders eaters Foraging'. You can check out this on Facebook and read about his experiments with various spices for ice cream and/or sorbet flavours which are documented on this site.
Hopefully, you all enjoyed his interview on 'Country Calendar' this year!
August 2020
Cannabinoids to combat chronic inflammation and pain; this was the subject of the presentation in August. It was interesting when the owners of Hebe Botanicals, Sandy and Steve mentioned how inflammation could be the root cause of so many illnesses and the fact that cannabinoids could be pain relief for so many diseases.
Also intriguing to know we have different pain pathways in our bodies.
April 2020
Our meeting included discussions, questions and answers on three common herbs and one to discover and learn about. We've chosen four herbs we can all review and appreciate more after learning new facts about: blackberry/raspberry, ginger, apple and tataramoa.
August 2019
40th ANNIVERSARY Celebrations
Our meeting was led by Beryl Fletcher and well attended. What a surprise to have some past members share their stories with the current society members.
What a memorable day it was with a beautiful white and blue cake being served as part of our celebration of 40 years!
July 2019
At our July meeting Nisa Promchot, a librarian with the Kapiti Coast DC gave us a talk on an initiative she is putting in place at all the libraries in the district.
A seedbox or basket will be available at the library for gardeners, growers, and herbies who would like to contribute spare seeds of herbs, vegetables or flowers to share with others.
Lisa’s positive attitude and enthusiasm for this project were infectious, leaving us with a desire to help spread and protect plants and varieties of vegetables that do well in this area.
For more information, Nisa can be contacted on 04 2964601
October 2018 Bus Trip
Such an enjoyable for all who came and we visited four different places and ate very well I might add.The first stop was at Eva Orchids, then 100+1 Plants, The Winemakers Daughter for lunch, the Apple Quarters Cafe, and our last stop was Big Mac Slabs.
September 2018
We enjoyed an interesting morning with Cheryl from Mitre 10 bringing along some Italian herbs that can be used on pizzas. Not only displaying the herbs but pizzas were made with some of them for our morning tea! Thanks, Diane for bringing along the pizza bases both thin and gluten-free based crusts.
Sweet treats displayed above were brought by Marie so we had quite a delicious tea..
Robyn stayed with the theme of Italian herbs and gave us a running commentary on oregano.
August 2018
Kapiti Herb Society Inc held its 39th AGM on 14th of August to report on the activities for the year 2017-18 and prepare for the coming year.
All the current committee members have agreed to stand again and their election en masse was accepted by the meeting.
The morning proceeded with Herb of the Month, sorrel, by Mary Dwen and an amusing summary of the newsletters by Beryl Fletcher.
Karina Hilterman gave us a PowerPoint presentation on 'First Aid for People and Plants' with information about using herbs for natural first-aid. Karina’s knowledge and the valuable wealth of information was mind-blowing. Check out the Bay Tree editions to view in detail the presentation.
We had an inspiring speaker in Daisy Wood who spoke about a variety of herbs that have a particular value in warding off winter ills. She passed around samples of different dried herbs to taste and provided the tea for our morning break. Who would have thought that a blend of elder, linden yarrow and liquorice could make such a delicious tea concoction?
Her talk gave us an example of how delicious herbs could be part of our wellness routine in winter. Along with the tea ingredients another herb she talked about at length was echinacea and how it protects and enhances the immune system, alleviates cold and flu symptoms.
Garlic also is a low calorie antioxidant and possesses antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. An interesting anecdote she mentioned will be encouraging to all chock owners…
‘Garlic cloves are ideal to put in the water to protect your chocks against mites’
July 2018
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Our June 2018 was the 'SOUP LUNCHEON'
We didn't have any speakers and enjoyed the company of our fellow members.
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May, 2018
Our guest speaker, Dorothy Kane, an ex-chemistry teacher, brought along a natural fibre jersey
she made with natural dyes. She discussed the process of dyeing while using different parts of the plant then using a fixative to complete the process to create different shades and colours.
One set of samples was dyed using the same plant with different mordents to show the variety
of shades that could be obtained.
When using raw fleece one can create colours using vegetables, flowers, weeds, herbs, or lichens.
Carmel expanded on some of the herbs that could be used for producing a wide range of colours and showed us the plant dying colour wheel.
April, 2018
We enjoyed the ‘Bounty of Summer’. Members brought along various jams, (both fruit and savoury), vinegar, pickled cabbage, basil pesto, infused oils and even a fortified sherry. Tomatoes being a good producer for some this year displaying several sauces and relishes. We had tastes of chili jam on crackers; also dehydrated chewy orange and grapefruit slices. What a table display we had with wooden spoons for sampling anything and everything.
December 2016
Our Christmas meeting was held at the beautiful Lavender Creek Farm, located in Te Horo, with 30 members attending. We enjoyed a welcome cup of punch on arrival. Suzie White gave us an interesting insight to life on the lavender farm and to the various types of lavender and their uses. We followed this up with a ramble through her heritage beds answering some rather cryptic questions based on the names of some of the 300 lavender varieties Suzie has growing. The pot luck lunch was superb, such a wonderful variety of food brought along by everyone. I can guarantee nobody went home hungry. That was the end of our programme for 2016, we look forward to meeting up again in February.
November 2016
We held a herb potting and propagation workshop. Members brought cuttings and root divisions from their own gardens to share with others. The weather was kind to us and we were able to move outside for the rather busy and messy business of potting. A huge variety of herbs were shared - mint, parsley, rosemary, lemon balm, calendula, yarrow - even some stinging nettle.
May 2016
The planned talk by Sarah Hodge and Keith Moyle had to be changed due to Keith's wife having an accident and he could not attend. However Sarah did come to see us and gave us a very entertaining talk on creating a wedding bouquet from flowers and foliage she had gathered from her garden. Her style of bouquet is free form and very, very beautiful - but if you want a formal highly structured arrangement this would not be your cup of tea! Sarah was a delight as usual and she and Keith will present their talk later in the year.
April 2016
We had a wonderful cooking demonstration this month. Mena from Sai Spice and Superette in Paraparaumu showed us how to use spices to create two tasty and aromatic Indian recipes. The first was a drink made from diluted yogurt with spices and coriander added - very refreshing. The second recipe was for a khydgaree cooked in a pressure cooker. The aroma of the spices as they were cooked through rice and dhal was mouth-watering. We were all able to sample both recipes. Thank you Mena for a very informative demonstration.
A few of our members are now interested in attending your cooking classes at the Community Centre commencing in June.
Mena explaining the use of spices in Indian cooking.
Such a shame you can't experience the delicious aromas.
November 2015
The November meeting incorporated an informative talk by Anne Bennett on the history uses and medicinal properties of essential oils, focusing on those that are herb-based. She passed around samples on wooden sticks so we could experience the scents of various oils including bergamot and geranium.
Anne showing us the basis of aromatherapy.
Anne addressing the group and passing around oil samples to smell
October 2015
Sarah Hodge giving us a very entertaining talk on propagation using roots and cuttings at the October 2015 meeting, then assisting with the herb identification quiz.
July 2015 - AGM.
Retiring committee members Margaret Dagarin and Carmel Wilkinson receive tokens of appreciation for their contribution to the successful running of the Kapiti Herb Society at the July 2015 AGM meeting.
Margaret receiving her lifetime membership
and Carmel receiving her gift
May 2015
Annette Lole Karepa gives an entertaining and informative talk on the wonderous coconut at the May 2015 meeting.
