Thursday, November 2, 2017
ETHAN Lawson-Barrett works on constructing a planter box with the help of his father Alan, who works in the trade area in store. OB4019-1
Ross McCullough
THE first garden and DIY evening at Opotiki Mitre 10 last Thursday proved immensely popular with green-fingered enthusiasts and others wanting to learn more about gardening or do-it-yourself home improvement tips.
Given its success, Opotiki Mitre 10 owner-operator Wayne Fowler is planning to make it an annual event.
He said it was the first such event held in Opotiki, with 140 tickets sold over the store counter.
All proceeds from the $5 entry fee went to the company’s charities, SPCA and Hospice.
Mr Fowler said usually it was the big cities that had the instore demonstration and information evenings, but he figured why not have one at Opotiki’s store too.
He said it offered a bit of excitement for the town, and gave those interested the opportunity to learn all they could about gardening and DIY while actively taking part in demonstrations and competitions and enjoying the different specials in store.
Attendees who made their own planter boxes could get 10 percent off the price of plants to go in them and fertiliser products.
Mr Fowler said suppliers had been in store to provide tips and discuss methods.
Spot prizes were also given away on the night.
Opotiki Cadets helped with a barbecue and the Twin Rivers Country Music Club provided musical entertainment.
POPPING lettuce, capsicum, and coriander plants into the planter box he made is Te Kani Porter, 9, with his mother Candice and her work colleague Eden Edwardson of Healthy Families East Cape Opotiki. Photos Ross McCullough OB 4019-2