National MP Aaron Gilmore is encouraging final registrations for those who want their shrubs and trees relocated.

“Canterbury-based National MPs will be digging in on 14 and 15 May with a team of volunteers, as part of Project Plant,” he says.

Project Plant will establish a community plant nursery to help residents from quake-affected properties in Christchurch and Kaiapoi keep their treasured plants alive while they rebuild or relocate over the next 12-24 months. 

“We have dozens of people involved so far. We’re only a week away now, and anyone who wants their plants to be moved needs to sign up as soon as possible,” Mr Gilmore says.

“I’m thrilled with the level of interest in the project to date and heartened by the number of volunteers who have come forward to help both for the Project weekend, or for ongoing support to maintain the nursery.

“I’d like to thank the Chapman family, City Care, Silvester Group, the Canterbury Horticultural Society, Peter Timbs butchery and delicatessen, Rangi Ruru and others for providing things like trucks, drivers, spades, expert advice, food and volunteers.”

Register at www.aarongilmore.org.nz, email projectplant@parliament.govt.nz or call 03 382 5617 for further information.

Quotes from locals:

 “I was particularly excited to read there will be a community plot for us to transplant large plants into from our garden.  We have lovingly tended to our garden for over 23 years and feel more sad at the loss of ’special’ plants.  We are perfectly able to move plants ourselves – though support with larger ones would be beneficial.  Just to know there is a possibility of somewhere to temporarily relocate them would be tremendous.  Many many thanks,xxxxxxxx”

 “Have read your email re the plants and am hoping you may be able to take plants from our treasured garden as our new address is a tiny flat and we have very little land”

 “I would really appreciate some help with my plants, as my house is going to be demolished and I’ve spent so much on my garden.”

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