I keep forgetting to mention (what with wedding planning, baby planning and garden planning…) that I’m heading to the deep south on Saturday March 5 for the Southland Herb Society’s 30th birthday bash. They’ve got a fun afternoon of herby adventures planned, including stalls, raffles and speakers, at the Invercargill Workingmen’s Club in Esk Street from 1-4.30pm.

I’ll be speaking about my move from city to country and all the fun I’m having in my new garden (should I confess at this point that the only herb I’ve planted here so far is a huge patch of marvellous mint?) and Robert Guyton, NZ Gardener’s Deep South and Glasshouse columnist (and knower of all things self-sufficient) will also take to the stage.

I’m looking forward to poking about Robert’s Riverton garden again while I’m down in Southland, and heading to Marshwood Gardens on a perennial hunting mission. I want more salvias, and there’s only one place to go when you want fascinating salvias… and that’s Marshwood.

If you’re in the south of the south, it would be great to meet you! Tickets cost $25, including afternoon tea (and those Southern ladies sure know how to put on a spread, if the slap-up lunch I enjoyed at the Southland Heritage Rose Society shindig last year was anything to go by!). There are no door sales so make sure you give Lyn a call on 03 215 7716 or email Anne: lamond@xtra.co.nz for tickets.