New twist to garden ramble

 

First held in 2003 the popular Palmers Planet Mangawhai Garden Ramble is attracting gardeners, artists and ramblers from far and wide.

The 2014 Ramble will have a great selection of 20 properties on show, including nine new gardens and some old favourites.

Gardens on show vary in style, size, and age. Several have special attractions including ponds, artwork and historic buildings.

Several local artists will have their artwork displayed in gardens.

Nova Podgora in Tomarata, carefully tended by Olga Yuretich, is back on the list after three years.

Bill & Marion Naish, previous entrants when in Robert St, now show off a very new garden in Norfolk Drive. Just a year old and proof of Marions green thumb, it is largely grown from cuttings – yes, some people still garden that way.

Bruce and Jen Colgate on Jack Boyd Drive have funky landscaping elements. Jen is an artist and former potter so be prepared for something different.

Up King Rd is the expansive spread of Sid and Glenda Jackson. Beyond the house is a great view over the lake and manicured olives while in the front, the outdoor piz-za oven and barleaner epitomise what life is really all about. There will be food on sale here for lunch – scones, muffins, cakes, sausage sizzle.

A major fundraiser for children in the local community, Garden Ramble money goes towards operational expenses for the Mangawhai Kindergarten and the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Plunket Society.

“We are always so touched by the generosity of the Mangawhai community and how they open up their gardens for this event,” says Michelle Fogarty, Head teacher, Mangawhai Kindergarten.

“As a non-profit organisation, without fundraising we would not be able to provide the children with high quality educational resources.”

Such sentiments are echoed by Anna Kingi, president of the Mangawhai-Kaiwaka Plunket Committee.

“Our local Plunket committee and Plunket nurse work hard to meet the needs of the young families in our area. Funds raised through the garden ramble are used to maintain the Plunket building and improve the range of services we are able to provide.”

---