Eltham, Stratford, Inglewood

ELTHAM

Eltham is known as the cradle of the Taranaki dairy industry (the co-operative system in particular), and for being the one place in New Zealand that manufactured rennet, which is important in cheese making. It was also the first place to export butter to England. Settlement began in Eltham in the 1870s with blocks of densely forested land being taken up. A profusion of sawmilling companies cleared the district, which when grassed was found to be ideal for dairy farming. Eltham has more vintage shops per capita than any other town in New Zealand.

STRATFORD

This town is a tribute to the great bard William Shakespeare, named after his birthplace in Warwickshire. The town features 67 streets named after characters from an assortment of Shakespeare’s plays. The town is nestled against the eastern shoulder of Mt Taranaki and the near 9,000 residents are accustomed to a snowfall or two during winter. Stratford is also home to the only Glockenspiel clock tower in New Zealand. The town is also the starting point of the Forgotten World Highway, the route to Taumarunui which follows ancient Ma -ori trade routes and pioneering tracks.

INGLEWOOD

Inglewood is a quaint town 16km southeast of New Plymouth, nestled under the impressive form of Mt Taranaki. The town boasts a population of more than 3,000, servicing a predominantly dairy farming region. As well as laying claim to eight buildings classified as New Zealand Historical Places it is also home to the oldest remaining railway station on its original site in New Zealand. While this town may be small in size, it is huge in character and reputation.

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:

• A visit to the breath-taking Dawson Falls located at the top of Manaia Rd, Kaponga.

The falls are a short 10-minute walk from the carpark. • The Forgotten World Highway (SH 43) drive is a unique example of untamed native bush and stunning natural scenery. Stop for tasty fare at the Toko Tavern daily from 11am, in the village of Toko on the Forgotten World

Highway. Ph 06 762 2835. • Recognised for their award-winning ecologically driven product, The Possum

Factory offers naturally tanned fur products designed to provide true warmth. 1103

Opunake Rd, Mahoe. Ph 06 764 6133 www.envirofur.co.nz • The Percy Thomson Gallery is Stratford’s public art gallery. New exhibitions start every three to four weeks.The gallery is open 10.30am - 4pm weekdays and 10.30am - 3pm weekends. Located on Prospero Place,

Miranda St. www.percythomsongallery.org.nz

Ph 06 765 0917 • If you love a nibble with your evening beverage, call into the Eltham Cheese

Shop and Factory, Bridge Street for very reasonably priced cheese. • Midhirst Tavern – Main Hwy For great value pub meals Ph: 06 762 8730.

Adrian & Leonie Hofmans 170 Upper Stuart Rd, Eltham

This large expansive country garden of contrasts has been a constantly developing labour of love for 25 years. It features numerous interesting elements ranging from contemporary twists to traditional aspects. This includes two wetland areas, a woodland garden, a large collection of rhododendrons and hostas, a formal rose garden, outdoor living areas and a land-art garden planted three years ago. This was designed by Chris Paul of Plant-it Earth and includes a Japanese Garden and a Summer House plus many metres of local stone walls built by Leonie. There are surprises around every corner! Enjoy this private park-like garden, but please refrain from taking videos or photos of the property.

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Open 10am – 3pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 06 764 7373 email hofmansfamily@xtra.co.nz

190 Warwick Rd East, Stratford Maureen Ostler

A stalwart of both the festival and the Stratford community, Maureen has been opening her garden for charity from the start and continues to maintain her four acres of informal garden and large ponds singlehandedly. Many ducks and swans reside on the three dams which are ribbon planted with spring flowering shrubs, wisterias, maples, fuchsias and hostas. Picknickers welcome. Last chance to view!

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Open 8am - 6.30pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp (proceeds to Stratford Lions Club) Ph 06 765 5611

16. Greenhills

37 Cassandra St, Stratford Shirley Greenhill

This is a floral artist’s garden that cleverly incorporates a mixed perennial garden, shrubbery and a rockery with a bounty of treasures. This urban garden effectively uses different levels to draw you in, where climbing clematis and garden structures create intriguing shapes in a small space. Ground covers, mulching and a canopy of small trees make maintaining a lovely garden easier.

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Open 9am – 4pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 06 765 7338

17. Cairnhill Garden

1054 Forgotten World HWY, Stratford June & Colin Lees

This vibrant, colourful garden is framed by a canopy of deciduous trees. Rhododendrons and viburnums flower in profusion. Collections of hosta and heuchera interplay in the filtered light areas giving a sense of peace and timelessness. Roses and trellised clematis add excitement. A range of different edging plants gives definition to borders, many of which are filled with amazing iris varieties, peonies and special plantings. Simon Lees woodcrafts available to purchase.

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636 Stanley Rd, Stratford Amanda & Les Heynie

Te Popo’s owners are very happy to be caring for Taranaki’s pre-eminent woodland garden. Rainforest and deep river gorges encircle acres of exotic and coniferous trees. Te Popo is richly under planted with many rare and beautiful shrubs, bulbs and flowers to complement the shady and sun-filled borders and dell. Ponds, waterfall, fern gully plus a 30m suspension bridge also feature. Circle walk this special place filled with birdsong.

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Open 10am to 6pm, admission 1 tickets or $5pp Ph 06 7628775, tepopogardens@gmail.com

19. Merleswood

597 Beaconsfield Rd, Stratford Peter & Cathy Lang

New owners are enjoying Merleswood’s magnificent variety of trees, shrubs and lush planting. Rhododendrons, camellias, maples, oaks and elm trees give structure and form to gardens and pathways filled with hostas, azaleas, spring bulbs and cottage plants. Rugosa hedges, lavender, mature wisteria and a hidden garden with stream and pond (a haven for blackbirds, thrushes, fantails and tui) are some of the highlights of this 113-year-old garden.

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172 Lepper Road Upper, Inglewood Sharyn & Jim King

This country garden has spectacular vibrant colour from rhododendrons, azaleas, irises and perennials. Mass plantings of hostas feature, with primulas in flower beside the small stream. Sweeping lawns contrast with the overhanging maples and herbaceous plantings. Covering 1.5 acres, this is a well-established garden offering many charming areas suitable for a picnic lunch. Just 15 minutes from New Plymouth.

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Open 9am - 5pm, admission 2 tickets or $10pp Ph 06 756 7321, email Aking@xtra.co.nz

21. Stanleigh Garden

752 Dudley Road Upper, Inglewood Donna & Wayne Busby

Situated with views to both the coast and the mountain on fine days, this peaceful country garden uses its elevated position to grow splendid hybrid rhododendrons, many of which will be flowering during the festival. Hostas are used extensively as under planting. Features include a large pond, rustic fences, garden seating and children’s play area. Picnickers welcome. Crafts and art for sale. Complimentary tea and coffee.

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486 Manutahi Rd, Lepperton Graeme & Robyn Lepper

Now in its fifth generation, this family homestead and garden is a treasure. Large trees and native bush boundaries surround this one hectare garden. It has been revitalised by lifting tree canopies and introducing new plantings, giving it new life for the future. Cows can be viewed being milked from the garden after 3pm. Off road parking. Complimentary tea/coffee.

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Open 9am-5pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 06 752 0821, glepper@xtra.co.nz