Berry picking escapade - Hamilton locals?

This is an offshoot of the locavore thread of trying to source foods from within a 100km radius of where you live...

Anyone interesting in joining me for a berrypicking session at the Old Berry Farm on Morrinsville Road before the 6th of January (Sunday) when they close for the season?

They have boysenberries and strawberries (limited amounts), and blackberries and raspberries, all at $5 per kilo, bring your own containers .

Yes please - provided we aren't picking up hay - what time?
Need to sorce a blueberry place as well.

I am really really jealous have fun pick heaps

How about Saturday morning and take our chances with how busy it is? Earlier in the day probably better to beat the sun, I reckon! Anyone else want to join us?

There are a fair few blueberry places around, but they aren't really in full swing yet (I think). We have one bush that keeps us in day to day stuff during the season and a few for frozen, but would be keen getting some more to freeze for the year. They free flow freeze really well.

We can also try the Newell's Road berry farm depending on how the pickings are (literally!) at Morrinsville Road.

I spent the break pouring through old magazines and have got a fair few good dessert recipes lined up too based around berries

I'll try but we have a skip to fill by then, and I'm picking up my new car tomorrow!

Just had a call from the contractor and they are cutting this our hay afternoon so won't be baled untill sunday afternoon or monday. I'll check with John and see what his plans are ( to be home for the cattery) and get back to you as soon as possible.

Ah MM, only a couple of hours needed surely you are going to want a break from the cleanup by then [}]

I take it this means that the insurance company are paying out for a nice new shiny car for you??

I wish I could but we're off to watch the tennis :D

Take your sunblock, Kate

Will do

tigger, insurance haven't paid out yet, still negotiating LOL!

It's just that we needed a 2nd car before BD went back to work! We've just arrived back form Auckland with it now! And by gum it's bluddy lovely!

I could be up for this, but how early is 'early', Tigger? Its my second-to-last sleep-in before I go back to work, you know.

Photo please MM.
What time tomorrow tigger - meeting where?

There is a blueberry place just off SH3 at the bottom of Chinamans hill,just before you get to Hamilton from this end, seems to have a decent reputation

* edited to add Houchens Road *
we had 4 blueberries on our forgotten plant the other day, thankfully i took a picture as they have been chooked!!!!!

Okay, how about we meet at the Olde Berry Farm, Morrinsville Road (just outside of Hamilton on the Morrinsville Road) 9am - sorry Gracelands, I'd like a later sleep in too, but looks like tomorrow is going to be another stinker so best be in early to beat the heat! Can you make it?

LF, we were told we needed two blueberry bushes (different sorts) for pollination, but one died a couple of years ago and the sole survivor is still providing well for us! For some reason they don't seem to be stripped by the birds like other berry fruit (and our grapes ).

Once we have our fill of raspberries and blackberries, I suggest we head to Chinaman's hill in another week hence for the blueberries - but will post another thread on this - is that place pick your own, LF?