A LARGE group of members of the Albany Horticultural & Lilium Society and friends spent a fascinating afternoon at the Salem Crossroads Nursery on Saturday 17 April.
A LARGE group of members of the Albany Horticultural & Lilium Society and friends spent a fascinating afternoon at the Salem Crossroads Nursery on Saturday 17 April.
Salem Crossroads founder and director, Noel Banfield, gave an introductory talk describing how he started the centre in the early 80s as a refuge and a rehabilitation centre for men with alcohol and drug addiction problems.
He explained how it is run as a Christian kibbutz. The centre can accommodate up to 29 men and everyone living there is expected to work in a section of the nursery.
Apart from planting seeds and transplanting seedlings, many plants are grown from cuttings, requiring skill and expertise.
The extensive property has large areas under shade-cloth and tunnels for the propagation of plants. There is also a commercial outlet at the Salem Crossroads farm stall where plants and other items are on sale to the public.
We were shown each part of the operation, and given very clear and interesting explanations about the various aspects of the enterprise by members of the nursery team.
We were all intrigued to be shown the worm farm and to hear how beneficial the by-products of vermiculture are in aiding the growth of seedlings and plants and in keeping them pest-free.
We also visited the section where seeds are individually planted into polystyrene trays, after which we were shown the area where germinated seeds are carefully transplanted into bigger containers.
The team members were eager to show us what their work involves and to explain it all to us. We found that many of the men living there have developed a great interest in horticulture, and enjoy reading books and magazines about gardening and plants to broaden their knowledge.
At the end of a most interesting and informative afternoon we all returned home well-stocked with plants for our gardens purchased at the nursery.
Any unwanted books or magazines on horticultural topics as well as any surplus plant punnets, pots or gardening equipment would be gratefully received by the centre, and would be helping a very worthy cause.
Next time you drive along the N2 to or from PE, do stop off at the Salem Crossroads stall and buy a few plants and support the excellent work being done there.
