As we turn our faces to the sun and shake off winter’s lingering grip, it is finally time to welcome the season that Hawke’s Bay does best. Summer here means longer days with more time to enjoy our region’s natural beauty. From the vast coastlines to our vineyards and bush-clad trails, we have a season of outdoor adventures and easy living ahead of us.
We hope your summer contains elements of lazy afternoons, walks with friends or time to cast lines in search of snapper or maybe catching the sunrise with a quick surf. Maybe try out a local tramping track.
For many, summer is also peak time in the garden.
There is nothing quite like homegrown summer produce – tomatoes, courgettes, and fresh herbs that practically grow themselves in this warm, fertile region. Gardening here in the Bay is not just a hobby, it is part of how we connect with our landscape and enjoy the simple pleasures of homegrown food. In this issue, we have packed the pages with everything you need for a Hawke’s Bay summer. We showcase the past and present of St Georges Restaurant and how it has become an example for growing and serving fresh organic produce on site. We give you insider tips on summer gardening and spend a day in the life of a florist at Pom Pom Florals.
If you have not been on a gannet safari at Clifton, you can read about these wonderful birds and catch a glimpse of this global phenomenon. If tramping over land is more your style, you’ll enjoy Michael’s exploration of the Ongaonga trails. And to complete our open-country activities, read up on what is happening on the farm with our Kiwi Country Kids.
You will also find recipes from Peg & Pickle that make the most of our fresh local ingredients, with ideas for meals with family and friends. To add to this, you could entertain with wine from Junction Wines. We feature the ex-All Black owner, his love story and love for winemaking, and the fascinating vineyard he now calls home.
Abbey Merson will impress with her vibrant and passionate love of painting florals. We talk with her to find her source of creativity. You’ll also find incredibly creative artisans at the Wonder Markets – we take a look at what they are all about. And if that is all a bit too much excitement for one summer, we provide you with some book reviews to aid your choice of reading in case you find that perfect tree for a hammock and some ‘me’ time. So, here’s to making the most of summer in Hawke’s Bay. Whether you are a beachgoer, gardener, tramper or just someone who loves the long, warm days, we hope this edition inspires you to embrace all that the season has to offer. Thank you for letting us be part of your summer.
David & the team
