Duart House gardens need watering help

Duart House has set up a roster system for the committee to water on odd days but is ken to add more volunteers. Photo / Warren Buckland

The hot and dry weather is affecting the gardens at Duart House.

Havelock North resident Margaret Dobson visited the gardens at 7 pm on Friday and said many of the smaller plants were dying or withered. She is concerned trees may start dying if rain does not arrive.

"It's such a Hawke's Bay treasure, it's just sad really".

Duart House Committee chairman Richard Catley said: "Over the last couple of weeks we found the severe dry has really taken hold.

"We have been very lucky the Hastings District Council have assisted us to get water on the gardens, but we have to be responsible and work within the rules like everyone else.

"The council have spent a fair bit of time over the last two weeks doing maintenance so it's looking pretty good considering how dry it is."

Water restrictions mean gardens can be watered with a handheld hose on alternate days between 6am and 8am and 7pm and 9pm.

Dobson hopes that community awareness about the issue may prompt people to volunteer to help water the garden.

Duart House has set up a roster system for the committee to water on odd days.

"Unfortunately, with our committee being volunteers we struggle to get enough days covered," Catley said.

Catley said if any locals would like to help out with watering on odd days between the restricted hours of 6am-8 am and 7pm-9 pm they can email the Duart House secretary at vanasch@xtra.co.nz.