In addition to creative work, Sam and her partner are also planting natives and a few fruiting trees as they can be afforded. Eventually they hope to cover most of the place (4 acres) in trees for the bees and birds. They have so far managed to plant over 250 natives and a few fruit trees since moving to Hendersons Line, Marton in June 2017.

Marton is muddy, really really muddy, it’s clay, which makes it very wet in winter and hard as a rock in summer – difficult growing conditions to say the least! There has been good success with Flax, Ake Ake, Cabbage Trees, Ribbonwood, Kanuka and Manuka – choosing carefully to suit the horrible soil conditions there have been few casualties so far. Fingers crossed.

There is still plenty of space for more trees, so as much as can be spared from the sale of any paintings will be used to continue planting work. If you are thinking about visiting the studio and you would like to see the trees, Sam will gladly take you for a walk in the paddocks – you might want to bring some gumboots in the Winter time!

Plant Count: 250

PLANTING A FOREST/LOOKING AFTER A GARDEN
Since moving to Hendersons Line, Marton in June 2017 Sam and Lorraine have planted a huge number of native plants and trees. Eventually they hope to cover most of the site (4 acres) with a diverse mix of plants including plenty of food for the bees and birds, This will be combined with walking tracks and hidden spaces to just sit or stand, listen, catch a breath.