Garden ramble keeps flourishing

 

BY JULIA WADE

Fresh green flora, brilliant blossoms, glistening water and sculptured art were all part of nature’s showcase recently as local gardeners opened their gates for Mangawhai’s 15th annual Garden Ramble. 

Amid the sweet fragrance of laden blooms and under a warm summer sun, almost 500 people wandered the gardens on November 17and18, making the fundraising event presented by Mangawhai Kindergarten (MK) and Plunket a ‘fantastic success’ says MK representative Joanna Rodger. 

“This wonderful local event came to life once more raising over $10,000 with all profits going to these two extremely important grassroots organisations, the local kindergarten and Plunket,” she says. “We are very grateful to the local businesses that sponsored the event including Palmer's Planet who are our main supporters, not to mention the generous time from volunteers and gardeners who made it all happen."

More than 19 gardens were on display to visitors including ten new additions with landscapes ranging from the compact to expansive, and the established to the ever-evolving work-in-progress. 

The family event also offered a range of children’s activities, locally produced refreshments and a chance for viewers to buy plants and art.
 
“Some of the plants for sale were actually cultivated by our own green-fingered, kindergarten children,” Rodgers says. “Every year the Mangawhai Garden Ramble continues to grow and flourish.” 

PHOTOS/Josie GrittenPhotography