Local flavour to Garden Discovery

With many new gardens on view in this years Whangarei Garden Discovery spread from Waipu Cove to Tutukaka, local ramblers unable to make the three day sojourn on February 14-16 will have some interesting and colourful properties to visit without trekking too far. Our semi-tropical climate, plus the long hot days of summer and some outstanding coastal views could make this a memorable Discovery.

‘Top of Ruakaka’, Marianna Leijen, 28 McCathie Rd, Ruakaka

A colourful garden with breathtaking views of the Bream Bay area. Most plants have been grown from seeds and cuttings. Hibiscus are a feature, plus natives and lots of colour. Wheelchair friendly, food, plants handcrafts and pottery for sale. Parking up the drive as directed.

‘Macca’s Patch’, Gail and Paul McCully, 9 Pyle Rd, One Tree Point

This garden is beautiful, elegant, is immaculately maintained and has delightful finishing touches. The outer garden was planted for privacy 10 years ago with a mix of sub-tropical and evergreens. Gail also has a large collection of conifers. Wheelchair friendly.

Jean Dyer, 98 Marsden Point Rd, Ruakaka

This garden was begun over 50 years ago by Jean and her late husband Lloyd, creating the system of recirculating lily ponds that are staggered down the slope. Behind the house are panoramic views of the ocean and the river. Sloping lawns set among mature trees with flower beds and a rock garden create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

‘Maggie’s Place’, Maggie and Dave Wistrand, 289 Cove Rd, Waipu

This intimate garden space has espaliered fruit trees and flowerbeds surrounding a central triangle of lawn. Traditional plants are intermingled with trees, shrubs and decorative elements. Outside the back gate is the historic Waipu Cemetery, with great views of the river and inlet.

‘Roots ‘N’ Shoots’, Steve and Sally Browning, 533 Cove Rd, Waipu

Planted with unusual subtropical plants over the past ten years, this garden has been added to and now it contains thousands of plants. There is a mixture of natives, palms and sub-tropical plants, as well as traditional shrubs.

Judy and Geoff Grey, 18 Cullen Rd, Waipu

A beautiful garden, elevated and with spectacular views. To cope with the sea and its moods, the wind and the clay soil, the plantings are a mixture of natives, Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants providing sculptural elements and a wide variety of colour and texture.

‘The Braigh’, Robyn Coutts and Mary Love, 19 The Braigh, Waipu

This secluded garden in Waipu Village focuses on native plants. The well-structured top terrace has neatly clipped hedges, vegetable potagers and a pa harakeke (flax bush) path that leads down to a river terrace and boardwalk. The total effect is park-like, calm and serene.

�� Tickets are available from the Waipu Museum, Palmers Gardenworld and Whangarei Information Centre, 92 Otaika Rd. If you cannot get to those sites ahead of time email info@gardendiscovery.org.nz or check www.gardendiscovery.org.nz. Tickets will be available on the days.