photography: Martin Leach
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
NEWS FROM GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Debbie Majurey from Paradiselost Gardens is at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on the second and last Sunday of the month. What products do you grow and which are your favourites? I grow an eclectic mix of flowers including nostalgic, bee friendly, cottage garden, perennials, wild flowers, proteas, waratahs and of course bird of paradise, our first flower. In 2006 when I met Alan I began learning about bird of paradise, he had been growing for some years before I met him, and I suppose because of his love for this very retro flower it became mine too. Very hard to single out one or two others as every season brings new beauty and magic to the garden. My fave at the moment is Campanula glomerata superba, with exquisite violet bluebell flowers. How long have you been growing flowers? I have always enjoyed growing flowers but never had the opportunity to go big. We decided on creating a flower farm when we moved to South Head three years ago. Where did you grow up? I grew up on a dairy farm in Clevedon, South Auckland.
42 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2015
What’s the biggest business decision you have had to make? To reduce my hours as an early childhood teacher so I can spend more time developing the flower farm with Alan. What’s your favourite way to relax after work? I practically leap into the garden after work then stop and breathe in the garden. I love seeing the little changes happening each day. Where is your favourite New Zealand holiday spot? While we haven’t been there for a few years, Pataua, Whangarei Heads is beautiful. Great camping, views and swimming. What’s your favourite thing about coming to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market? There’s something about flowers that makes smiles and I love that! Without a doubt it is meeting and chatting with the wonderful Grey Lynn Farmers Market community about flowers, growing stuff and life.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)