Normandale, Lower Hutt

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1560 days ago

How to grow your own Linen

Robert Anderson from

Linen has been used for thousands of years for clothes, bedding and furnishings. It is loved for its soft and cool feel. It is a very strong and durable material which will last much longer than other alternatives, like cotton. Growing your own linen may see overwhelming, but it helps to break it … View moreLinen has been used for thousands of years for clothes, bedding and furnishings. It is loved for its soft and cool feel. It is a very strong and durable material which will last much longer than other alternatives, like cotton. Growing your own linen may see overwhelming, but it helps to break it down into manageable steps.

Plant 1 kg. fibre flax seed in a 6m x 6m plot - One plot will give you enough fibre to make a shirt from line (long linen fibres) and tow to weave a couple of towels. Your actual yield will depend on growing conditions, how well you weed the plot and how perfect your retting and hackling techniques are.
Broadcast the seed thickly, over well tilled ground and then walk on it to firm the seed in.

Weed it well about 4 weeks after planting - Your flax will take about 2 weeks to germinate in a cool, wet spring. When it reaches just over 5cm in height you should walk into the plot and weed it well. You can step on the plants without damaging them when they are between 5cm and 30cm tall.

Admire the blue flax flowers as the linen grows - Once the bed has been weeded well, you can just admire it as it grows. About 60 days from planting the flowers start to open. It is very beautiful watching the blue flowers swaying in the breeze. Each flower is open for only one day. Each stock produces several flowers and each flower turns into a seed boll with 6 to 8 seeds.

100 days after planting, harvest the flax - The stocks of flax will be 2/3rds yellow and 1/3rd still green when it is ready to harvest. The flowering will be finished and each slender flax plant will have 4 to 6 seed bolls. You harvest the flax by hand, by pulling each plant out by the roots. Toss the weeds and place the stems of flax in order. Tie into bundles (shooks) about 30cm across, using strong twine.

Shook the flax and wait -Take the shooks of flax and put them, standing upright, under cover to finish maturing the seed and drying the fibre. The whole stock will turn brown as it dries. This takes a month in dry weather, a bit longer in wet weather.

Ripple the flax - Open each bundle of flax, take the flax by the root end and draw the seed end through wide toothed combs or a board with nails acting as teeth. This removes the seed heads. You can begin the retting process now or retie the bundles and wait till Spring.
The seed is edible and has a good oil content. You can crush the seed bolls and separate the seeds from the chaff by winnowing. Save about 1 kg. of seed to replant the field next year. If you don’t want to clean the seed by winnowing, you can feed it to your back yard chickens. They will take care of the seed bolls for you.

See our website for the full tutorial with pictures: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

1559 days ago

COVID-19 testing numbers

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

We will now be publishing information about the number of people tested for COVID-19 in our region. We will publish these figures every weekday to give you a clearer picture of what is happening in our area.


We are now at Alert Level 2 and it’s important to remain vigilant. If you, or a family … View more
We will now be publishing information about the number of people tested for COVID-19 in our region. We will publish these figures every weekday to give you a clearer picture of what is happening in our area.


We are now at Alert Level 2 and it’s important to remain vigilant. If you, or a family member has COVID-like symptoms, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.



You may be referred to a Community Based Testing Centres or GP. Testing is free and CBAC locations can be found here:
www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz...

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1556 days ago

Free : Old fencing

Eileen from Waterloo

An assortment of fencing planks & post pieces.
Collection from Waterloo.
Please contact me on 027 4698113.
Cheers
Eileen

Free

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1557 days ago

Iconic Political Comedy Returns for a Truly Historic Year

Circa Theatre

“A veritable humdinger … It’s all a bit gobsmackingly good.“

Public Service Announcements is a Wellington legend. Over 10 years and 17 seasons, there is rarely a spare seat in the crowd for this fast-paced, talent-packed political romp. Now, back on stage and bigger than ever before, … View more
“A veritable humdinger … It’s all a bit gobsmackingly good.“

Public Service Announcements is a Wellington legend. Over 10 years and 17 seasons, there is rarely a spare seat in the crowd for this fast-paced, talent-packed political romp. Now, back on stage and bigger than ever before, PSA is at Circa Theatre in time for the 2020 election.

“Robust political satire, produced to a high standard”

Commanding the stage with the confidence and knowledge of Dr. Bloomfield, PSA: Election 2020 stars a cast of six acclaimed performers: Johanna Cosgrove, Neenah Dekkers-Reihana, Hannah Kelly, Simon Leary, Sepelini Mua’au and Matu Ngaropo.
Find out more

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1557 days ago

Garden clean ups In time for spring

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Lower Hutt

Spring is just 15 or so days away ! Time to start thinking about the garden:(
Or you can call us and let us
Clean it up for You ! Call Ian on 0272430951

I have added some photos you may have seen on Wellington live on Facebook
So you can see my creative side

1560 days ago

Computer repairs

Robin from Epuni

Techz@home
Affordable and Professional computer repairs and other IT services at your place.

Call us : 0211230911

Email: info@techz.co.nz

#Free no obligation inspection!!!… View more
Techz@home
Affordable and Professional computer repairs and other IT services at your place.

Call us : 0211230911

Email: info@techz.co.nz

#Free no obligation inspection!!!
#Desktop and laptop repair
#Data Recovery
#Virus and Spyware Removal
#Operating System Restoration
#Monthly computer maintenance

1558 days ago

Key tips for a warmer, drier home – 3/9 – Heating

Robert Anderson from

Check you have the best heating option for your home.

Keep your home warm and dry especially during the colder months. Gas heaters have dangerous fumes and can make your whare damp. An electric heater is much safer and cheaper to use. Heat pumps have a thermostat which keeps your home … View more
Check you have the best heating option for your home.

Keep your home warm and dry especially during the colder months. Gas heaters have dangerous fumes and can make your whare damp. An electric heater is much safer and cheaper to use. Heat pumps have a thermostat which keeps your home comfortable and helps keep costs down.


www.youtube.com...

1558 days ago

Stump removal starting at $180

Joshua from

Getting a tree stump out of the ground is an almost impossible undertaking without the correct equipment, knowledge and experience. Using the safest and most up to date equipment for removing stumps, we are experienced in stump removals on residential and commercial structures.

For a reasonable … View more
Getting a tree stump out of the ground is an almost impossible undertaking without the correct equipment, knowledge and experience. Using the safest and most up to date equipment for removing stumps, we are experienced in stump removals on residential and commercial structures.

For a reasonable estimate, Give us a call at 027 548 9818 or Visit www.pricesmart.co.nz...

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1559 days ago

Bring out the best in your home with Resene!

Resene

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primer and sealers 10L. Plus buy 1 Resene testpot 60ml-80ml get 1 free!

Offer available for Resene DIY Cardholders at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers from 12 August – 7 September 2020. If you don’t have a card … View more
Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primer and sealers 10L. Plus buy 1 Resene testpot 60ml-80ml get 1 free!

Offer available for Resene DIY Cardholders at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers from 12 August – 7 September 2020. If you don’t have a card sign up free online or while you’re in store.
Get your card

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1559 days ago

FREETV WITH STAND

Mana from Naenae

Free tv with stand , will need 2 people to lift and a trailer or Ute
Pick up Avalon

Free

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1559 days ago

Did you know it's time to get eggplants started?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say August is the ideal time to sow eggplants. Plus keep your guard up against cold weather, choose flowers to grow from seed, get a move on with chillies and capsicums, start sowing basil and trick coriander seedlings.

Follow our guide to spring soil preparation and … View more
In this week’s issue we say August is the ideal time to sow eggplants. Plus keep your guard up against cold weather, choose flowers to grow from seed, get a move on with chillies and capsicums, start sowing basil and trick coriander seedlings.

Follow our guide to spring soil preparation and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for $35 vouchers from Awapuni Nurseries and sensational new peace lilies from Gellert’s.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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