Matariki marked with green theme

Daniel Holland will be demonstrating his chainsaw carvings at this year's Matariki Garden Expo, and one of his sculptures will be raffled for charities. PHOTO: COURIER FILES
Green fingers will be growing donations for two children's charities this weekend.
The profits of the inaugural Matariki Garden Expo were earmarked for the Child Cancer Foundation and Kidney Kids New Zealand.
The event — run by the Geraldine Lioness and Lions Clubs — will be based in the Geraldine Primary School hall.
Publicity officer Bev Gregan said the expo had great variety with over 45 "garden-themed" stalls, which would flow out on to the school yards.
Mrs Gregan said there would be "lots to see and do".
Among other things, workshops included floral wreath making, glass fusing, and microgreens.
There were a lot of demonstrations on offer, including some free demonstrations about biodynamic organic gardening, and some from the Geraldine Floral Art Group, who would be making making floral "joy jars".
Seminars and a gardening question and answer session would also be held in the hall.
Geraldine artist Daniel Holland will be demonstrating chainsaw carving.
Mr Holland had donated a carving which would be raffled on the day with all funds going to the two charities.
Mrs Gregan said there would be many children's activities included in the day, including face painting and a Matariki-themed drawing competition.
She said pictures to be entered in the competition should be brought along on the day and handed in at the door for judging, ensuring the child's name and age were on the back.
There would be prizes for each section: 0–5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years.
Children's gardening activities would be running all day, with an area provided to encourage children to decorate a pot, then plant a bulb, celebrating the start of a new growing year.
The event will be held on Saturday at the Geraldine Primary School Hall from 9.30am-3pm.
The cost of entry is $10 for adults, while children can enter free.
Devonshire teas and a barbecue would be available to enjoy.
For full information and a list of workshops, demonstrations and tickets check gardenexpo.my.canva.site

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