2019 Book Tour
My Damson Delicious book tour is coming to a town near you sometime between now and December, as I’ll be doing a winter guerrilla tree planting tour as well as harvest workshops. (Events will be added as I confirm dates and venues.)

Thursday 23 January, Hastings: It seems appropriate to hold my official book launch in the epicurean epicentre of damson devotion in New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay. Home of New Zealand’s biggest damson orchard and The Damson Collection (Sundays at the Hastings Farmers Market). 5.30pm-8.30pm at Pushkar Interiors, 308 Queen Street West, Hastings. Free entry, but please RSVP to foggydalefarm@gmail.com for catering purposes.

FEBRUARY
Sunday 10 February, Alberton House, Auckland: Join me for a tasty talk and damson tree-selfies at the monthly market day at this wonderful heritage homestead, 100 Mount Albert Rd, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025. 10am-2pm. More details about Alberton Market Days here.

Thursday 14 February, Oamaru: A Damson Delicious Valentine’s Day at historic Totara Estate, Oamaru. 14 February, 2-4pm. $25. Includes a Victorian-themed afternoon tea, workshop & talk. To book, phone 03 433 1269. http://www.totaraestate.co.nz

Saturday & Sunday 16-17 February, Gore: Join me for three talks at the Gore Garden Club’s Harvest Festival & the South Island National Dahlia Show, at the Gore Town and Country Club in Bury Street. 11am & 8.30pm Saturday and 1pm Sunday.

MARCH
Saturday 2 March, Parnell Trust, Auckland. Waste not, want not! Learn how to save, store & preserve during a free damson-flavoured sustainability session at the Jubilee Trust Building (the home of the Parnell Farmers’ Market). 9am-11am. Email olivia@parnell.org.nz to let her know you’re keen to attend.

Sunday 11 March, Otago: Pull up a pew for a free autumn preserving demonstration in the gorgeous renovated church at Blueskin Nurseries, 2 Harvey Street, Waitati. From 5.30pm. Learn how to make jams, jellies, pastes and other preserves – and taste a decadent array of delicious damson-flavoured goodies. Raffles, spot prizes, book signings. Free entry but bookings essential as space is limited. Phone 03-482 2828 or email sally@blueskinnurseries.co.nz.

Monday 12 March, Twilight Garden Evening at Blueskin Nurseries, 2 Harvey Street, Waitati. From 6pm. Tickets $20 each (includes drinks & nibbles on arrival). Join Lynda Hallinan and Sally Brown for an entertaining evening of floral fun, horticultural tips & tricks, and planting ideas to jazz up your autumn garden.

March 23-24, Foggydale Farm Annual Autumn Garden Fair, 358 Gelling Road, Hunua. 10-5pm daily. My garden is open to the public for one weekend only. Entry by gold coin donation (to the local school). Specialist plant sales, market stalls, vintage homewares, pickles & preserves, raffles & prizes, coffee, cupcakes and high teas. Email enquiries to foggydalefarm@gmail.com.

March 30-31, Riverton Harvest Festival. Workshop times TBC.

APRIL
April 5-6, Ayrlies Plant Fair, Whitford, Auckland: Fancy a fruitful damson tree for your backyard orchard? I’m selling them at this fantastic annual gathering of specialist plant nurseries, raising funds to sustain the future of Bev McConnell’s iconic Garden of International Significance. http://www.ayrlies.co.nz

April 7, Feast Waikato: Join me for a special event at the world-renowned Hamilton Gardens. Details to follow.

April 14, Alberton Market Day, Auckland: I’ll have plenty of gardening tips again at this wonderful heritage homestead, 100 Mount Albert Rd, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025. 10am-2pm. More details about Alberton Market Days here.