Garden and house tour for a good cause

Tickets to an inspiring weekend’s entertainment that will raise funds for a good cause and provide a perfect gift are now on sale.

The Dahlias for Dementia Garden & House Tour 2020, to be held February 22-23, includes 20 exceptional properties from Maungaturoto to beyond Matakohe. Seven homes will also be open.

The tour, being supported by Alzheimers Northland and Bayleys Real Estate Northland, is raising funds for the 14-bed dementia unit at Riverview Resthome and Retirement Village which is owned by the community. Located in Maungaturoto, it services the wider Kaipara area.

Karen Smales, who initiated the garden and house tour, says each property is different but they all have one thing in common.

“They are tended by committed gardeners who get a great deal of pleasure from their efforts and are all delighted to be sharing the results of their labours for a good cause.”

Gardens range from a sub-tropical paradise that has featured in magazines to rambling gardens alongside historic homes and ancient trees – and everything in between.

Karen says it’s a bonus that some homeowners agreed to open their homes.

“Each adds a different and fresh perspective to the tour and most have been recently renovated and treated to inspiring interior design makeovers.”

They include a relocated farm homestead, an art-deco home, an historic house with spectacular views and a home which, for the first time since it was built in 1886, has owners outside original family. Several homes were built or renovated by Maungaturoto-based Brogan Builders.

People will get the pleasure of driving along farm roads and enjoy expansive views, including of the magnificent Kaipara Harbour.

People can do their tour at their own pace, on just one or both days.

“People from Whangarei to Warkworth and beyond are getting together with friends, family and members of their garden or sports club. Tickets will make ideal gifts which are guaranteed to be well received.”

There are several cafes on the tour route, lunches can be pre-ordered or people can bring picnics. Some gardens will have music and others will have artworks and crafts on display and for sale.

¢ Tour tickets are just $50 online at alzheimersnorthland.org.nz, or instore at 100% Fergus Appliances & Beds (Maungaturoto), Palmers Garden Centre (Whangarei), Waipu Hammer Hardware, Bayleys Real Estate Northland.