Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival Programme

Come join us at the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival Hub

Before getting on the move, head to the Festival Hub at Volkswagen Taranaki for tickets, giveaways and itinerary advice from our driven garden gurus.

W.R. Phillips Volkswagen Taranaki is a fourth generation family-owned business. It has been on the same site since 1946, across the road from the original Clock Tower.

Since then, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre has opened next door and the Clock Tower has been demolished and rebuilt. The spot is also walking distance from the CBD, the Coastal Walkway and an abundance of cafés and restaurants.

All visitors are welcome to the Festival Hub at W.R. Phillips Volkswagen Taranaki for:

• Taranaki local knowledge of things to do and see

• Garden entry tickets

• Festival information, guidance and suggestions

• Coffee to go

• Festival merchandise

DATE/TIME Fri 27 Oct – Sat 4 Nov, 9am–3pm (during the festival)

VENUE W.R. Phillips Volkswagen Taranaki 156–158 Devon St West New Plymouth

ADMISSION Free

Kia Ora

Kia ora and welcome to the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival. We are delighted to once again bring you a spring celebration of wonderful and diverse gardens, and exciting events. This programme, packed with maps, garden listings and information, is designed to assist you on your garden adventure around Taranaki Maunga. On the flip side, you’ll find details about the Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail which is on at the same time as our festival.

As the new Garden Festival Manager, it is a privilege to have joined the TAFT team to bring you this iconic festival for 2023. With enormous gratitude we acknowledge our partners, sponsors, dedicated gardeners, loyal locals and you, our visitors, who support our festival and region every year.

We are so proud that in 2023 two of our regular gardens have been awarded a sixth NZGT star.

We have 15 starred gardens in our festival family, which makes our annual 10-day event the garden festival with the highest number of NZGT stars nationally. That’s a fantastic achievement and combined with all our wonderful gardens, makes the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival a celebration of our abundant region and all we have to offer.

Nau mai, haere mai, welcome to Taranaki.

Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival Manager

Jessica Parker

GRANTS

NAMING PARTNER

CORE FUNDERS

GOLD SPONSOR

SPONSORS

PRODUCED BY

Festival Manager Jessica Parker

TAFT CEO Suzanne Porter

Gardens

Festival Team

Porter

Jessica Parker

Events

Helen Ivess

Garden Liaison Team

Jenny Oakley, Tony Barnes, Jennifer Horner, Chris Paul Patron

Neil Holdom – Mayor, New Plymouth District Council

Trustees

Glenn Brebner (Chair), Marie Pearce, Katie Wolfe, Chris Lynch, Hayden Wano, Eleanor Connole

Welcome to the 2023 Centuria

Taranaki Garden Festival!

This is our second year running as naming sponsor, and we are thrilled to be continuing our association with this fantastic event which attracts visitors not only from across New Zealand but around the world.

Centuria is an ASX-200 listed Australasian property investment manager with a 35-year track record, currently managing more than $20 billion of real estate assets on behalf of our investors – many of whom reside in the Taranaki region.

People are the foundation of our business – both as employees and investors, and this very much aligns with what this festival is all about – people getting together to appreciate and draw inspiration from spectacular gardens, and the vision and dedication of their generous hosts.

We would again like to acknowledge the wonderful team at the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT) who pull this event together, and our thanks also goes to Venture Taranaki, New Plymouth District Council, TOI Foundation, Taranaki Regional Council, South Taranaki District Council for their support.

Enjoy!

No money is currently being sought. No financial product can currently be applied for or acquired. Any offer will be made in accordance with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. Centuria is not providing financial advice. Prospective investors are recommended to seek professional advice from a financial advice provider which takes into account their personal circumstances before making an investment decision.

How to Book Ticket Outlets

Easy online bookings

Bookings can be made through the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival website. This is a secure site for your ticket bookings. gardenfestnz.co.nz

Phone bookings

Phone bookings will only be accepted with credit card payments. These can be done through the Festival Office, Mon to Fri 10am–4pm.

0800 746 363

Garden entry is by ticket only

Pre-purchase tickets so that our gardeners are free to walk and talk. Tickets are available from official outlets, online or from the TAFT office.

Each garden has nominated their charge of one, two or three tickets. Tickets are sold in $5 denominations. Free entry for children 12 and under.

$5 admission

Look out for the following symbols in the garden descriptions, which highlight the number of tickets needed.

Festival Enquiries

PO Box 4251, New Plymouth, 4340

I-SITE CENTRES

South

Ariki North Wing, 65 St Aubyn St

LOCAL INFORMATION CENTRES & LIBRARIES

Inglewood

$10 admission

$15 admission

P 06 759 8412 E enquires@gardenfestnz.co.nz www.gardenfestnz.co.nz

OTHER OUTLETS Big

Masters

Gardenfestnz

Taranaki_garden_festival taranakigardenfestival

Follow us for festival updates and exclusive offers: Look out

Be part of the Festival

Like it, love it or leave it we want your feedback, our survey opens 30 October gardenfestnz.co.nz

our pink festival flags!

Garden Categories

New Gardens

• Tropics on Mangati • Jungle Nurseries

Returning Gardens

• Leonie's Garden • Ngā Manu Garden

• Stanleigh Garden • Te Kukumara

• Te Popo

Vegetable Gardens

• Black Gates • Korito • The Galleys Garden

Public Gardens

• Hollard Gardens • King Edward Park

• Pukeiti • Pukekura Park • Tūpare

• Te Henui Cemetery

Special Interest Gardens

• Frog Lodge • The Nice Garden

• Tropical Treasures • Te Kāinga Marire

NEW

Key to icons

Number of tickets needed per person

Refreshments

Toilets

Plant/craft sales

VEGE

Wheelchair friendly

Accommodation

Bus parking

PUBLIC

SPECIAL INTEREST

Pop-over motorhome parking (enquire with gardener)

Facebook

Instagram

All festival gardens get assessed. Every garden goes through this process on a three-yearly cycle.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust, an initiative of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, provides an independent assessment of New Zealand gardens. You will note that some gardens in our festival have

The Festival is always on the lookout for new gardens. If you want more information on how you can be part of the 2024 festival contact us 06 759 8412

www.gardens.org.nz

chosen to be assessed by the Trust as well as undergoing the festival’s own assessment process.

These gardens can be identified by the placement of the NZGT logo reflecting either a Garden of Significance, National or International Significance.

Taranaki is host to a fantastic 16 NZGT star gardens!

NZGT is a proud supporter of the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival

Eltham, Stratford, and Inglewood

ELTHAM

Eltham’s main street is lined with Victorian buildings that are home to many charming antique and curiosity shops.

STRATFORD

Situated in the heart of Taranaki, Stratford is home to the only Glockenspiel clock tower in New Zealand.

INGLEWOOD

This town can lay claim to having eight buildings classified by the New Zealand Historical Places Trust.

1. Cairnhill

1054 East Rd, Toko, Stratford, 4392 June & Colin Lees (Forgotten World HWY)

This vibrant, colourful garden is framed by a canopy of deciduous trees. Rhododendrons and viburnums flower in profusion. Collections of hostas and heuchera interplay in the filtered light areas giving a sense of peace and timelessness. A range of different edging plants give definition to borders, many of which are filled with amazing iris varieties, peonies and special plantings. Simon Lees woodcraft is available to purchase and Jane Downes ‘BeeHaven’ sculpture is a wonderful artistic addition.

IMAGES: JANE DOVE JUNEAU

2. Greenhills

37 Cassandra St, Stratford, 4332

Shirley Greenhill

This is a floral artist’s creation that cleverly incorporates a mixed perennial garden, shrubbery and rockery with a bounty of treasures. The garden effectively uses different levels to draw you in where climbing clematis and garden structures create intriguing shapes in a small space. Mass plantings of Trilliums, Hostas, Hellebores and brightly coloured Rhodohypoxis are special features. On sale here is: Shirley’s book “I am in the Garden"; a collection of humorous garden memories and helpful tips.

Open 10am–4pm (Fri, Sat & Sun during the festival), admission 1 ticket P 06 765 7338

3. Stanleigh Garden

752 Dudley Rd Upper, Inglewood, 4386

Donna & Wayne Busby

This beautiful country garden is welcomed back to the festival this year with its stunning views of the coast and mountain. Stanleigh Garden uses its elevated position to grow splendid hybrid rhododendrons that flower throughout spring. Hostas are used extensively as underplanting, while maples, hydrangeas and hedges create the perfect park-like setting punctuated by rustic fences. Sit in the enticing gazebo overlooking the large pond with small jetty and dinghy, and relax to the gentle music playing through the speakers. A perfect place for picnickers with complimentary tea/coffee.

EVENT: High Tea at Stanleigh (see page 49)

Open 9.30am–5pm, admission 1 ticket 06 7566 167 / 027 350 2286 E wbusbycontracting@gmail.com

STRATFORD SCARECROW TRAIL

27TH OCTOBER TO 12TH NOVEMBER 2023

Jump on the Scarecrow Trail with your friends and family in tow. See how many scarecrows you can find to be in the chance to win prizes.

HAVE FUN EXPLORING STRATFORD AND GET SOME GREAT PHOTOS ALONG THE WAY!

IMAGE: TETSU GARNETT

Stanleighgarden @stanleighgarden

4. Hollard Gardens

1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga, 4679

Taranaki Regional Council

This horticultural oasis of colour in the heart of fertile dairy country boasts an incredibly diverse plant collection of national importance, featuring many rhododendrons, azaleas and an extensive range of native and exotic plants. It’s built on the legacy of renowned plantsman Bernie Hollard, who established the garden in the 1920s. Year-round, Hollard Gardens buzzes with the sound of insects and birds feeding on seasonal flowers, fruits and seeds. Kids love the quirky playground in the family corner, with free barbecues on hand. A visit to Bernie’s home garden has lots of ideas for the keen home gardener and is well worth a look, along with the food forest and compelling visitor centre nestled amongst the trees.

WHAT’S ON

27 Oct - 5 Nov, Guided Walking Tours, 2pm daily

27 Oct - 5 Nov, Art Exhibition, Local Artists Michelle Rowland & Susie Harrop, 10am – 3pm daily

Hollard Gardens is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region and is open all day, every day.

Open All day, every day. Free admission.

P 0800 736 222 E regionalgardens@trc.govt.nz

W www.hollardgardens.nz

HollardGardens @hollardgardens

6. TePopo

636 Stanley Rd, Te Popo, 4394

Amanda & Les Heynie

Te Popo Gardens are a 13-hectare parkland of native trees. Wander over a 30m suspension bridge crossing the deep river gorge that surrounds the garden and hear bird song as you stroll the extensive forest trails. Exotic and coniferous trees create borders of every colour and the woodland features a zoo of life-size animal sculptures giving the impression of an African Safari, a wonderful adventure for children. Zebra Café will be open during the festival. NZ artworks and gifts are available for purchase. Boutique accommodation available.

EVENT: Te Popo Animal Hunt for Children

5. Leonie's Garden

170 Upper Stuart Road, RD 13, Eltham

Leonie Hofmans

Leonie’s large country garden typifies everything Taranaki's reputation for gardens is built on. Her garden of abundance has flourishing rhododendrons, pieris, maples, a bog area lined with hostas, swathes of hellebores and perennials everywhere.

Visitors will find a stylish summerhouse, an Oriental area with a red tori gate, native coprosma hedges, contained stone walling, and block plantings of white-trunked birches – and much more.

Leonie has created and maintained this garden over the last 30 years and seldom opens to the public. A private person, Leonie asks that you don’t take photos or videos.

Open 10am–4pm, admission 2 tickets P 06 764 7373 E lhofmansfamily@gmail.com

Open 10am–6pm, admission 1 ticket P 06 765 7338 E tepopogardens@gmail.com W tepopo.co.nz

Ōpunake, Manaia, and Hāwera

ŌPUNAKE

Ōpunake is an art-filled seaside destination halfway along the iconic 105km stretch of road known as Surf Highway 45.

MANAIA

Manaia has been nicknamed the “bread capital” of NZ because it is home to world-renowned Yarrows Family Bakers.

HĀWERA

Relax in one the town’s picturesque parks or visit the famed Tawhiti Museum with its life-size figures.

7. Gravetye

60 Manawapou Rd, Hāwera, 4610

Jenny & John Pease

Gravetye is a formal garden that celebrates the simplicity of mass green planting. Wander along the mixed border, pass the sunken vegetable garden, the reflection pool, the pleached limes & the laburnum arch, which all radiate from the house.

The immaculate lawns are bordered by carefully designed hedging. You will also see sculptures, plantings of iris, roses and lavender. The garden was designed and planted by the owners. Ice cream tubs available. ‘Gravetye Garden Cottage’ is fully selfcontained accommodation & sleeps 3.

EVENT: French Café-style Jazz by La Mer Saturday 28 October, 11am

Open 9.30am–5pm, admission 1 ticket (proceeds of garden entry to Cancer Society Taranaki) P 06 278 5422 / 021 1760 820 E jjpease@yahoo.com

IMAGE: SIMON O'CONNER

8. Sanderson Garden

1961 South Rd, Kaupokonui, 4678

Elaine & John Sanderson

This garden is truly a sight to behold. Rated five stars by the New Zealand Gardens Trust, visitors will find expansive lawns with stunning views of the mountain and winding paths for tranquil strolls.

The unique sculptures and accents add a touch of sophistication to the garden, set against vibrant garden beds featuring lush hostas, beautiful maples, and romantic roses.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 027 4999 491 E elainesanderson1961@outlook.com

9. Oakley Garden

79 Normanby Rd, Manaia, 4678 (refer to map) Jenny & Guy Oakley

Festival stalwart and trained horticulturist, Jenny Oakley has had her garden open for the full 36 years. Just 2km from the exposed coastline, her towering shelter-belt hedges are an important characteristic for the thriving garden. Features brick walls and pillars, cottage style plantings, early flowering roses, a vegetable potager and the remarkable hanging baskets for which she is renowned. Plants for sale and complimentary tea/ coffee. Featured in Home and Garden magazine and NZ Gardener.

EVENT: Mitre 10 Garden Speaker Series (see page 58)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 274 8060 / 027 634 3784 E guy.oakley@xtra.co.nz

IMAGES: JENNY OAKLEY

10. Tairoa Lodge

3 Puawai St, Hāwera, 4610

Linda & Stephen Morrison

History and beauty combine to create the ever-graceful Tairoa Lodge. Surrounded by sweeping lawns with towering kauri and pohutukawa, it was featured in NZ House & Garden. Tairoa Church Hall Café will be open serving coffee, wine, cabinet food and its famous Ploughman’s Lunch.

Artwork by Celeste from Celebration Platters. House & Garden Tours on 28, 29 Oct & 1 Nov at 2pm. $25pp (garden entry & Champagne Cocktail). Book direct with Tairoa Lodge.

EVENT: Christmas Wreath Making (see page 53)

Open 10am–4pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 278 8603 E info@tairoa-lodge.co.nz W tairoa-lodge.co.nz

11. Puketarata Garden

14 Ngawhini Rd, Hāwera, 4674

Jennifer & Ken Horner

A country garden folding quietly around its hilltop site, with mountain and inland Taranaki views. Generous herbaceous plantings, lawn tennis court, perennial border, orchard, berry house, vegetable garden, enhanced by the wider landscape. Natives skilfully blended with exotic varieties giving seasonal variety, is a particular strength. Adjacent to the outer ramparts of 400-year-old Puketarata Pā and Kāinga Keteonatea, both having major significance to the area. The gully below has a QEII Covenant, with natives, exotics and walking tracks. Complimentary tea/coffee available and family picnics welcome. Featured in the NZ Gardener Magazine.

EVENT: Introduction to Botanical Drawing (see page 50)

EVENT: Mitre 10 Garden Speaker Series (see page 57)

Open 9.30am–5.30pm, admission 2 tickets

P 021 278 3081 E info@puketaratagarden.co.nz

W puketaratagarden.co.nz

IMAGE: JANE DOVE JUNEAU

12. Sullivan Garden

283 Matangarara Rd, Hāwera, 4672

Peter & Neryda Sullivan

The Sullivan Garden began as an asparagus paddock and over 25 years, has transformed into a curvaceous creation. This Hāwera beauty is plump with roses and rhododendrons (about 150) and ablaze with azaleas. Curved paths and clipped hedges provide definition and form, while sweeping lawns frame views of Taranaki Maunga. Cottage plantings, pots brimming with flowers and foliage along with garden art, help create vistas throughout. This property featured in NZ House & Garden and NZ Gardener magazines.

Open 9.30am–4.30pm, admission 1 ticket P 027 292 6886 E nerydasullivan@gmail.com

13. King Edward Park

Cnr Upper High St and Waihi Rd, Hāwera

South Taranaki District Council

A nationally significant garden, the ancestry of the park (est 1902) is seen in its charmingly formal design. The lofty close clipped hedges give shelter to abundant azalea, rhododendron and rose collections. Adding to the history are aged trees, a century old model boating pond and a bronze statue of Wendy, which is the companion piece to the Peter Pan in London’s Kensington Gardens. The 150-year-old cannon has been a favourite toy for children, along with a pirate ship and fort. Seek out some of the hidden features along pathways or bring a picnic to seated areas.

EVENT: Jazz Soiree with The Starlights (see page 54)

Open All day every day, free admission

P 06 278 0555 E contact@stdc.govt.nz

W southtaranaki.com

14. Glascroft

23 Scotland St, Patea, 4520

Julian & Olivia Shimmin

Glascroft is a coastal garden informed by the arts and crafts movement in the grounds of a turn of the century villa. Inspired in part by Gertrude Jeykyll, 11 garden rooms unfold before you. Key plantings include 120+ rhododendrons and 60+ roses. Vistas border and merge with the Norfolk Island pines and pohutukawa of the historic Patea Cemetery.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 027 7111 828 (Julian) / 027 242 6129 (Olivia)

E jshimmin77@gmail.com

Ōakura, Ōkato, and Warea

15. Goodin Country Garden

158 Mirikau Rd, Warea, 4381

Chris & Steak Goodin

Set amidst old coastal lahars, large volcanic rocks lend drama to this country garden. Spacious lawns spread out from the family home—the central anchor of the property. Mature trees are surrounded by lush plantings of clivia, roses and rhododendrons. Chris and Steak’s daughter, Nicci Goodin, is a prominent New Plymouth florist and much of the planting is with her creativity in mind. This year, local artist Fay Looney’s Hydrangea Works will be on display throughout the garden, and photographer John Crawford will be exhibiting in the house with Horses Helping Humans as his subject. There is plenty of room for a picnic, take some time out to relax and enjoy a Devonshire Tea.

EVENT: Horses Helping Humans demonstrations (see page 55)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 752 8160 / 027 471 9744 E jgoodin@farmside.co.nz

ŌAKURA

This thriving beachside community, just 14km west of New Plymouth, is a hive of activity all year round.

ŌKATO

This small coastal town is positioned along the well-known Surf Highway 45, which boasts some of the best surf breaks in Aotearoa.

WAREA

Warea is a small settlement 35km south-west of New Plymouth and is home to world-class surf break Stent Road.

16. The Van der Poel Garden

92 Ruakere Rd, Warea, 4381

Maria & Hugo van der Poel

A charming 30-minute drive from New Plymouth, this traditional spacious country garden is set amongst expansive lawns. Established mature trees including a century old Puriri tree and formal plantings seamlessly lead to a native bush walk. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this garden as it will be closing to the public for the foreseeable future. Punctuated with sculptures by Italian artists Simone Cenedese, Alfredo Barbini and Christchurch sculptor, Gary Baynes, this natural setting provides an inspiring amphitheatre for art. Complimentary tea/coffee available and art is for sale.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 027 633 0351 E hugo_maria@xtra.co.nz

New Plymouth

NEW PLYMOUTH

Taranaki’s only city is a vibrant hub embraced by the wild Tasman Sea. With Pukekura Park at its heart, the city is edged with the Coastal Walkway from the Port to Bell Block and is dotted with other walkways and top class surf beaches.

New Plymouth is home to the world-renowned GovettBrewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre. And has many excellent restaurants and cafes, plus food trucks and coffee carts.

New Plymouth is also alive with festivals – and is home to the Bowl of Brooklands, where countless international acts have performed, including WOMAD NZ.

17. Pukekura Park & The Fernery and Display Houses

10 Fillis St, New Plymouth (several entry points) NPDC Staff

Located in the heart of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is a Garden of National Significance, has a five-star rating from the New Zealand Gardens Trust and has the international Green Flag award. Created in 1876, the 52ha park has an amazing range of native and exotic plants displayed in a natural setting.

The Fernery and Display Houses have been a must-see for almost a century. Linked by tunnels, the three glass-topped caverns dug into a hillside and the tropical house display a wide variety of native and exotic plants. The Fernery and Display Houses are open 8.30am-4pm.

Guided walks and tours available (see page 59)

Open All day, every day. Free admission. P 06 759 6060 E enquires@npdc.govt.nz W newplymouthnz.com

New Plymouth District Council

@hello_np

18. Te Kāinga Marire

New Zealand Native Garden Paradise

15 Spencer Pl, New Plymouth, 4312

Valda Poletti & David Clarkson

Te Kāinga Marire is the only private native garden sanctuary in New Zealand to be rated as a Garden of International Significance. Te Kāinga Marire’s (translated ‘peaceful encampment’) point of difference lies in the natural plant associations that evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand. This native plant paradise was developed in 1972 from clay wasteland. Keen outdoor adventurers, the owners wanted a bird-friendly garden designed around the ecological groups they had observed in the wild. New Zealand native grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees have

been carefully nurtured around rustic fences, a wetland, a colonial bush hut and cool fern-filled whare. Shy tui now regularly fly into the garden to feed. This garden features in the BBC series Around the World in 80 Gardens, which first screened in 2008 and has been awarded a 2021 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Award for enduring commitment to environmental protection and improvement, and inspiring others to act.

Open 9am–5pm daily, admission 3 tickets

P 06 758 8693 / 027 5889003 E valda@tekaingamarire.co.nz  W tekaingamarire.co.nz

19. Sequoia Steps

21A Sequoia Gr, New Plymouth, 4312

Shane & Mel Hurliman

A tranquil inner-city hideaway orientated to comfortable outdoor living. Shane has built structures that make the most of the available space, while Mel has added the softer touches with her love of maples and hostas. The garden lights up at night and there will be live music most evenings. There are areas to shelter from the wind and rain. Garden art will be for sale, including water features. Sequoia Steps featured in NZ Gardener magazine.

Open 10am–5pm and 7:30pm–10pm, admission 1 ticket (proceeds of the garden to Blind Low Vision New Zealand) P 027 297 4157 / 027 477 3434 E mel2@xtra.co.nz

20. Pukemara

5 Tyne Pl, New Plymouth, 4312

Alan Morris

Alan has created a town garden of two parts—a flat courtyard and a hillside garden. The courtyard garden features spring colour. Annuals and perennials combine with vireyas, roses and maples. The woodland garden at the rear has wonders around every corner of the zigzag path, with colourful rhododendrons, azaleas, viburnums and hydrangeas under a canopy of mature trees. Pukemara is a haven for hostas. You’ll find a large selection of these lush leafy plants on show and for sale along with other plant varieties. Pukemara has featured in the New Zealand Gardener magazine.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 758 6251 / 027 828 0230 E acmorris@xtra.co.nz

21. Black Gates

6 Holly Oak Tce, New Plymouth, 4371

Gill & Greg Miles

VEGE

This vegetable garden illustrates a country lifestyle with the convenience of living close to the city. Set on 1.9ha with a sustainable vegetable garden, fruit trees, microgreen glasshouse and livestock paddocks, this garden also is a great stop for lunch on the deck amidst the palms and sub-tropical plantings.

Greg will give daily talks from 10 – 11am on his methods for Composting and Worm Casting.

EVENT: Pure Plant-based Platters (see page 52)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

22. Kahikatea

61 Branch Rd, New Plymouth, 4312

Katy & Willie Roach

This peaceful urban garden has sprawling lawns surrounded by native bush with a QE II covenant. Maples, specimen trees and natives are interspersed with colourful annuals, perennials and sub-tropicals, along with organic fruit and vegetables. Stroll bush paths, view old farm collectables or Willie’s collection of American cars. Devonshire teas available from 10am2pm or picnic on the lawn. Off street parking preferred. For less mobile, parking available down the drive.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 757 2739 / 027 863 9048 E katywillieroach@gmail.com

23. Te Henui Cemetery

Cnr Watson St & Lemon St, New Plymouth

Volunteers & NPDC Staff

One of New Plymouth’s hidden gems, the city’s oldest cemetery has a 5-star TripAdvisor rating. It features a wide range of mature trees as well as 6ha of graves planted with masses of flowering plants. Limited parking available inside the cemetery at the roundabout. No toilets. No parking for buses.

Open All day, every day. Free admission.

P 06 759 6060 E enquires@npdc.govt.nz

W newplymouthnz.com

New Plymouth District Council

@hello_np

24. Tūpare

487 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth, 4312

Taranaki Regional Council

It’s almost unbelievable that a steep hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River could be sculpted into such an elegant landscaped garden with luscious borders, majestic trees and secluded outdoor rooms. Established by the Matthews family in the 1930s, Tūpare’s central feature is a majestic house in the Arts and Crafts architectural style, based on a design by the renowned James Chapman-Taylor.

WHAT’S ON:

28-29 October Taranaki Symphony Orchestra & Ensembles, 10am - 4pm

Klei – Handmade Ceramics Exhibition by Maryanne Van Roij, 10am – 4pm

28 October – 5 November Guided Walking Tours

2pm daily

28 October – 5 November Free Guided House Tours, half hourly from 10am-12.30pm

30 October – 4 November Etta Coffee Caravan

8am – 2pm daily

Tūpare is open all day every day with free entry for all. It is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council.

@tuparegardens TupareGardens

Open All day, every day. Free admission. P 0800 736 222 E regionalgardens@trc.govt.nz W www.tupare.nz

25. Korito

28A Trafalgar St, New Plymouth, 4310

Dee Turner

Suburban permaculture garden educating visitors on self-sufficiency and growing food. Planted with annual, biennial, and perennial productive plants that produce food all year. The garden has mandalas, mosaics, stepover and espaliered fruit trees, herb spiral, food forest, productive sub-tropicals, and an ancient bush block.

EVENT: Mitre 10 Garden Speaker Series (see page 58)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket P 021 125 2035 E derinatur@hotmail.com W korito.co.nz

26. Hirst Cottage

94 Pendarves St, New Plymouth, 4310

Judi Gopperth

This inner-city minimalist garden adopts linear principles and is themed ‘green and white with a touch of red’. It features white petunias, white lilies and black velvet pelargoniums, with the ambience of courtyards, gazebo and buxus hedging. This 1865 propery holds a Heritage A listing and stands alongside the historical cluster known as Hen and Chickens. The protected oaks, ginkgo and pohutukawa add to the unique story. Previously featured in NZ House & Garden, Your Home & Garden, NZ House & Garden House Tours and The Gardener's Journal.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket P 027 676 1500 E judi.jag@xtra.co.nz

27. The Nice Garden

71 Brougham St, New Plymouth, 4310 Terry Parkes

Enjoy a light lunch in an urban oasis. Hidden by one of New Plymouth’s oldest wooden buildings, this hotel restaurant offers dining indoors, outdoors and in between on the sheltered deck with a welcoming fire. There’s also a verdant outlook created by a compact garden with lush palms and sub-tropical foliage, and, under cover, The Nice is always festooned with cut flowers. An ideal place to relax and enjoy a light lunch with a glass of wine between gardens.

EVENT: Lunch in the Garden $50pp. Choice of two mains with wine match, sweet and tea/coffee. 11:30am–3pm daily during the festival. Bookings preferred.

Open 11am–late, free admission P 06 758 6423 E info@nicehotel.co.nz W nicehotel.co.nz

IMAGE: JANE DOVE JUNEAU

28. Three Elms

19 Anne St, New Plymouth, 4310

Shane & Lisa McNab

Discover much more than you expect from the street! Meander through hidden paths, courtyards, bromeliad house, lush perennial walk and the double koru lawn. Relax on the lookout, in the Japanese garden or the courtyard. Landscaping is passionately created by hand and heart, with rocks and layers forming the structure of this lush 912 sqm hillside garden with a subtropical touch.

Open 9:30am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 753 2532 E lisa.mcnab@me.com

Three Elms Garden

@three_elms_garden

29. Ngā Manu Garden

40 Manu Cres, New Plymouth, 4310

Chris & Angela Feron

Ngā Manu (Bird Garden) has an excellent variety of plantings, including a 40-year old male giant ginkgo tree, a variety of camellia trees, hydrangeas and rhododendrons, much to the delight of the resident native birdlife which inspired the garden's name.

Corokia hedging and columnar golden beech trees create a sleek entrance into the Michael Mansvelt-designed urban garden, while a water feature, cycad palms and tropical plantings complement the modern garden office pod. Michelia trees grace the boundary fence with a rose arch, NZ native ferns, heliotrope and lush green lawns throughout the garden. Off-road parking available.

Open 9am–4pm, admission 1 ticket

P 027 753 6949 E chrisferon@icloud.com

Nga Manu Garden

30. Hurworth Country Garden

603 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth, 4371

Graeme & Jan Worthington

This graceful country garden packed with flourishing beds, borders and mass plantings has been developed around a 1910 villa on a 1ha property. Special features include a summerhouse, expansive lawns, established native and exotic trees, brick and stone walls, a grass tennis court, fountain, formal and woodland plantings, and treasured garden furniture. This garden was featured in NZ House & Garden Nov 2021. Off-road parking available.

EVENT: Christmas Wreath Making (See page 53)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 753 6042 / 027 3836 828 E jandgworth@slingshot.co.nz

PARK MEET SHOP EAT

Home to more than 50 fashion, lifestyle and big brand stores, and Taranaki’s only indoor food court full of flavour.

Centre City makes parking easier in the CBD. With over 700 undercover car parks, we’ve got a space for you.

IMAGE: JANE DOVE JUNEAU

Hurworth Country Garden

31. Tropical Treasures

816 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth, 4371

Shane & Sharolyn Croton

Tropical Treasures is a private subtropical garden set within a subtropical outdoor and tropical indoor plant nursery. The sub-tropical have taken over this labour of love, which is only five years old. Be amazed at what can grow and flourish at the foot of the mountain. Yet again, we have new-addition gardens to see from last year, so there are more fresh spaces to enjoy. Huge range for sale as well as tropical indoor & outdoor plants, pots and ornaments, landscape products & more.

EVENT: MITRE 10 Speaker Series

Yahoo! Bamboo (see page 56)

Open 10am–4pm during the festival, free admission

P 021 186 2025 E shanesharolyn@hotmail.com W www.tropicaltreasures.nz

@gonetropical Tropical_treasures_taranaki_

IMAGES: SHAROLYN CROTON

32. Pukeiti

2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth, 4374

Taranaki Regional Council

Over seven decades Pukeiti has built up one of the world’s biggest and most diverse rhododendron collections. They, along with other exotics, create an explosion of colour amidst lush native rainforest and mountain streams. The 360ha property also boasts an all-weather visitor centre, a great range of free, family-oriented activities and walking tracks for all fitness levels. Other highlights include the kids treehouse trail, the fitness trail, the popular Rainforest Eatery and the pīwakawaka hut, which can be booked through the council website.

WHAT’S ON

27 October – 29 October

A Photographic Exhibition with local artist

Robyn Morrison, 10am - 3pm daily

27 October – 5 November

Mobility Vehicle Rides, 10am - 1pm daily

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Guided Walking Tours, 2pm

Rainforest Eatery Open daily 8.30am-4pm

Pukeiti is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region and is open all day, every day.

Open All day, every day. Free admission.

P 0800 736 222 E regionalgardens@trc.govt.nz Wwww.pukeiti.nz

PukeitiGardens @pukeiti_nz

Onaero, Waitara, and Bell Block

33. Te Kukumara

10 Mountain Road, Sentry Hill, 4373

Bryce & Delwyn Barnett

Te Kukumara is a sub-tropical garden for fun, family and feathered friends. Add art, automobiles and an aviary, plus palms, pigeon doves and plantings en masse to imagine Bryce and Delwyn Barnett’s 10-acre (4-hectare) garden near Waitara. The cars are classics, the birds on show are Indian ringnecks and the lake is home to Peking ducks. An ongoing vision for 29 years, this “garden for everyone” has courts for tennis, petanque and beach volleyball, and a children’s playground. Picnickers welcome.

EVENT: Centuria Garden Party, Sat 28 Oct, 1pm-5pm (see page 46)

ONAERO

Onaero is a settlement in northern Taranaki, located on State Highway 3 close to the shore of the North Taranaki Bight.

WAITARA

An impressive natural feature of the largest town in North Taranaki is the Waitara River, which flows through its heart.

BELL BLOCK

This rapidly growing beach front residential town was named after Francis Dillon Bell, the New Zealand Company’s resident agent in Taranaki.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 2 tickets

P 027 483 5246 E delwyn@xtra.co.nz

34. Waiongana Gardens

74 Kairau Rd West, Waitara, 4373

John Wilmshurst & Diana Montgomery

This 4ha garden bound by the Waiongana River has many varied spaces and includes a sunken garden, rose garden, redwoods, native river walk, log walls and a developing produce area, to name but a few. The mostly flat terrain has enabled a large variety of easy walking avenues and vista viewpoints. This garden is well known for the herbaceous peonies that usually flower during the festival.

Scrumptious savouries, cakes, tea, coffee and cold drinks from Theory Food will be on sale in the Pavilion. Turn off Mountain Rd SH3A to access Kairau Rd West.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 021 103 1237 E johndianaw@gmail.com

@waionganagarden WaionganaGardens

35. Marcella Point

280 Mountain Rd, Lepperton, 4373

Cheryl & Geoff Burt

Surrounding the house are large park-like gardens terraced on the sloping hillside with well-established flora. Natives, rhododendrons and hostas thrive amongst Marcella Point’s many handmade paths. Discover Cheryl’s quirky creativity around every corner and an area dedicated to the ANZACS. This garden is fun for all ages and a new event is Aunty Dora’s Garden Games (optional and free) with a bit of “pub quiz” without the pub! The last post played 4pm daily.

EVENT: Marcella’s Market (see page 54)

EVENT: Mitre 10 Garden Speaker Series (see page 57)

36. Jungle Nurseries

57 Colson Road, New Plymouth, 4372

Michael Mansvelt

Renowned New Zealand designer Michael Mansvelt has transformed an empty garden centre into a site so verdant and vibrant, he has named it Jungle Nurseries. Michael bought the 1.5-acre property in early 2020 then, with help from his team, filled it with his favourite plants. The nursery features several large glasshouses ideal for growing rare and exotic tropical plants – the main glasshouse is a mustsee and perfect destination for rainy festival days. Refreshments available for purchase.

IMAGES: JANE DOVE JUNEAU

37. Magnolia Grove

6 Mahoetahi Rd, Waitara, 4382

Vance & Kathryn Hooper

Magnolia Grove is owned by nurseryman and magnolia plant breeder Vance Hooper and his wife Kathryn. Together they have created a garden where paths flow out naturally to unfold a myriad of magnolia species, the bamboo forest, a bee garden and a Mediterranean garden of succulents and cacti. This idyllic sanctuary maturing to a forest is a must see for rare and unusual plants and trees with a wide range of plants for sale.

EVENT: Mitre 10 Speaker Series: Let's Grow Bananas (see page 56)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket P 027 439 7207 E budder@xtra.co.nz W magnoliagrove.co.nz

38. Tropics on Mangati

108 Mangati Road, Bell Block, 4382

Amelia de Ridder

This relaxing garden will transport you to an island paradise in… Bell Block. It’s packed with about 50 palms and cycads, underplanted with lush tropical flora and brimming with bromeliads. To complete the picture, add perennials, rhododendrons, vireyas, agaves and ferns, along with a vertical garden, water features, a fishpond, garden art, and food forest.

For sale are bromeliads, a few other plants, and, from 10am to 3pm, simple finger food and hot beverages are available.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket P 027 230 1009 E tropics.mangati@xtra.co.nz

39. Leppers Garden

486 Manutahi Rd, Lepperton, 4373

Robyn & Graeme Lepper

Now in its sixth generation, this family homestead and 100-year-old garden is filled with treasures. Large mature English trees and native bush boundaries surround this one-hectare garden. Clivia, hostas, ligularia, roses and rhododendrons are some of the varieties in this rural country garden. There are also spacious lawns, curved beds, garden rooms and a large variety of bright flowers. Off road parking, complimentary tea/ coffee and a cake stall with all baking provided by and proceeds going to Lepperton School.

EVENT: French Café-style Jazz by La Mer, Sunday 29th Oct, from 1pm

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket

P 06 752 0821 / 027 473 6262 E glepper@xtra.co.nz

40. Frog Lodge

39 Bishop Road, New Plymouth, 4372

David & Noeline Sampson

After selling their nursery Cedar Lodge 18 years ago, these plants people have transformed 7ha of rural farmland into Frog Lodge. David and Noeline’s passion for conifers feature throughout this “tree garden”. A long driveway and a substantial-sized lake offer a great opportunity to see how tree varieties thrive in these conditions. A newly developed area features a restored railway station nestled amongst the young trees and a hillside planting of young natives. Visitors will also see two forms of weeping blue Atlantic Cedars, four cultivars of yellow New Zealand native trees, and new forms of miniature conifers.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket P 06 755 0634 E david.noeline@xtra.co.nz

41. The Galleys Garden

500 Richmond Rd, Lepperton, 4373

Frank & Teri Galley

Through the canopy entrance of 20-year-old prunus, michelia are underplanted with ivy to give structure. This property was purchased 4 ½ years ago and owners have since transformed this mature garden with palms, varieties of fern, bromeliads, and natives. Bring the kids to the wetlands garden, home to six large turtles. Stand there quietly to see their heads pop out of the water. The large bug retreat will also ignite their imagination.

Meandering paths edged with liriope lead through woodlands plantings. Past the gleditsia is the enclosed potager patch with espalier fruit trees and an antique water feature. Here you will discover the Galleys' passion for growing unusual edible delicacies.

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket P 027 494 5550 E frank.teri@spudz.co.nz

42. Riverlea

367 Corbett Road, Bell Block, 4373

Ann & Vince Naus

This large garden property flows around a relocated and restored 120-year-old villa. Since 2003, Ann and Vince have poured their talents and passion into creating Riverlea. They have engaged an array of ideas, including a perennial border, woodland garden and maple walk. The boardwalk to the river leads to secluded seating surrounded by rimu, kauri, nikau and other natives. Buses by arrangement.

EVENT: Introduction to Nature Journaling (see page 52)

Open 9am–5pm, admission 1 ticket (proceeds from garden to the Taranaki Cancer Society) P 06 7552205 / 027 447 3950 (Ann) 027 471 6474 (Vince)

E ann.vin@xtra.co.nz

Tawa Glen Cafe

Cafe & Gardens are available for weddings, functions & private hire.

Open 7 days, Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm, Sat & Sun 9am - 4pm, Closed Public Holidays

Please talk to our friendly team for more information about catering and hire.

PICTURING THE SILENT FOREST

7 APRIL - 5 NOVEMBER 2023 PUKE ARIKI MUSEUM

Glorious gardens by day and spectacular experiences by night….

Friday 27 October Spring

Degustation with Villa Maria

Celebrate the Taranaki Garden Festival with an exclusive tasting of the Villa Maria Reserve range accompanied by a five-course degustation menu. The Villa Maria winemakers will talk about the wines specifically matched to our spring garden themed dishes, set amongst unique displays from local florists.

Saturday 28 October Cirque Mother Africa

This family-friendly show features an inspiring mix of acrobatic talents, mind-boggling contortionists, dance and song that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Wednesday 1 November –

Saturday 4 November The Play That Goes Wrong

The critically claimed international theatre comedy which has had record breaking seasons on the West End & Broadway has now finally made it to New Zealand!

Book now 0800 TICKETEK | ticketek.co.nz

TSB Showplace, 92-100 Devon Street West, New Plymouth npeventvenues.nz

LONG TIME SUPPORTERS OF THE CENTURIA TARANAKI GARDEN FESTIVAL

We are a locally owned business in the heart of Taranaki.

For forty years we have brought good quality, affordable clothes to our local market through our store Hive Fashions. We now offer a boutique experience with our new shop in Fitzroy – Hey Honey.

We absolutely love what we do sourcing great fashion from NZ designers.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

ur Passion is Fashion! Clair

$20 Receive $20 off any fully priced item when you present this coupon in store.

T&C Apply. This voucher can not be used on discounted items. One voucher per purchase.

& the Team at The Hive

Alphabetical Gardens List

RETURN TO HOME’

OCTOBER 27DECEMBER 8, 2023

PAINTINGS & CERAMICS BY LIZZIE BEERE

‘A

Garden Party

We are excited to announce the Centuria Garden Party, a celebration of gardens, glamour and gorgeous food.

The popular garden party has returned, held in the stunning Te Kukumara garden - only open every few years.

We are delighted to have columnist, author of numerous books and garden guru Lynda Hallinan and culinary creator and author of ‘A Quiet Kitchen’ Nici Wickes join us to impart their wealth of experience and passion for all things gardens and food.

Come and enjoy these wonderful speakers, wander through the beautiful garden, be wowed by the superb classic car collection and soak in the live music.

An opportunity for a relaxed afternoon with friends and family in your finery, this is an event not to miss.

Venue: Te Kukumara Garden, 10 Mountain Road, Sentry Hill

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Date: Saturday 28 October

Dresscode: Most Fabulous Garden Party Attire, prizes for the best dressed

Tickets: $125 per person (incl two complimentary drinks, delicious canapes and first class entertainment)

Bookings: gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Nici Wickes Author of 'A Quiet Kitchen

Lynda Hallinan Garden Columnist/Author

The Modern Preserver

Kylee Newton

Kylee Newton is a preserver, cook, writer and educator. She was the founder and owner of the preserving company Newton & Pott, a London (Hackney) based brand dedicated to the art of making handmade, small-batch jams, pickles, chutneys and ferments.

Kylee has written three celebrated cookery books, The Modern Preserver, The Modern Preserver’s Kitchen and Jams with a Twist. Winner of the vegetable category of a YBF award in 2016, judged by Simon Rogan and Claude Bossi. Her writing can be seen in numerous UK and NZ publications, with appearances on podcasts, radio and TV commercials celebrating the art of all things preserving.

Kylee grew up in New Zealand where the notions of seasonal eating and sustainability were part of childhood daily life. She now resides in NZ and loves to share the knowledge she's gained through cooking and preserving in collaborations, demonstrations, cookery classes at pop-ups, festivals and at restaurant/hotel media events.

Date/time Thurs 2 Nov, Doors open 6pm, Speaker starts 6:30pm

Venue Mitre 10 MEGA, 5 Vickers Rd, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth

Bookings Tickets available from www.mitre10newplymouth.co.nz

Admission $15

A portion of the ticket price donated to Sustainable Taranaki. Sustainable Taranaki inspires and supports people, businesses, and communities to value the environment and to prioritise sustainability. We aim for this to be a Zero Waste Event.

E-Bike Tour & Treats

Grab your e-bike and join us on an informative and flavoursome guided tour. Start the morning with a complimentary coffee at Federal Store while you meet and greet the crew and go over the route. We’ll pedal through a mix of the city's walkways, streets and lesser known shortcuts through native bush and via several community gardens.

Along the way we’ll enjoy a snack, rest the legs and engage the mind as we visit three urban Sustainable Backyards - Sow Sweet, Wellies n Worms and Bumblebee Bakery. Garden hosts will deliver informative tours, discuss their harvest, kaupapa and we’ll pick up ideas for growing and preserving produce.

At our final destination we’ll listen to tips from biking experts, ask questions, and share our favourite adventures - all while enjoying delicious kai from Green Door Cafe. Returning to the meet spot is an easy and scenic pedal along the Coastal Walkway.

Date/Time Sat 28 Oct & Sat 4 Nov, 9am–1pm

Venue The Federal Store, 440 Devon St East, Strandon

Admission $75pp (inc. cafe coffee & light lunch, snacks & refreshments, x3 garden entries) Must bring own ebike, helmet Bookings sustainablebackyards.org.nz

Stanleigh Garden High Tea

Treat yourself to high tea at Stanleigh Garden. Enjoy stunning picturesque views of the mountain and gorgeous garden while being undercover and lovingly looked after by garden owner Donna Busby and her volunteers. A truly old-fashioned high tea served in floral teacups and tiered plates filled with delicious sweet & savoury treats.

The high tea is a fundraiser for the Marinoto Rest Home, set up in 1971, along with the Inglewood Welfare Society Inc, a non-profit organisation focused on providing professional care and a sense of family. With support from volunteers, all meals and laundry are provided onsite along with meals on wheels for many people in the Inglewood community.

Date/Time Fri 27 Oct, 11.30am

Sun 29 Oct, 11.30am

Tue 31 Oct, 11.30am

Fri 3 Nov, 11.30am

Venue Stanleigh Garden, 752 Dudley Rd Upper, Inglewood, 4386

Admission $30pp (includes garden entry)

Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412, Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Gin Tours at JUNO

Botanical Masterclass

Take an educational leap into the key plants behind this popular spirit, presented by the owners of Juno Gin. Distillers & owners Jo and Dave James will take you on a journey from garden to bottle in this peek behind the scenes at the multi-award-winning Juno Distillery. Includes cocktails, canapes, and a sampling of a range of hand crafted spirits.

Date/time Wed 1 Nov & Fri 3 Nov, 5pm - 7pm

Admission $72pp

The Full Distillery Tour

A mini masterclass in all things gin. Includes canapes, a cocktail, and a deep dive into gin-making. Supported by samples of styles and profiles in our bespoke tasting room. Includes a guided walk-through of the distillery.

Date/time Thurs 2 Nov, 5pm - 6.30pm

Admission $59pp

Venue JUNO Gin, 16D Sunley St, Westown, New Plymouth Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Botanical Drawing Workshop

with Dr Tabatha Forbes

This special Puketarata workshop is focused on drawing exercises referencing New Zealand's rich botanical art history. The subject for the day's workshop will be beautiful leaves and foliage gathered from the gardens and will cover basic drawing techniques including pencil work, composition, form and building detail.

Tabatha holds a doctorate in fine arts and has been teaching botanical art for nearly two decades. Her art practice includes painting, photography, installation and writing. Currently living in Ōaonui, South Taranaki, Tabatha runs Forbes & Flay studio gallery in Ōpunake showcasing her work as well as hosting botanical and nature journaling workshops on site.

The workshop fee includes all materials needed in class and will coincide with a special guided walk/talk through the historic landscape of Puketarata hosted by Ken Horner.

Date/time Mon 30 Oct, 10am–3pm Wed 1 Nov, 10am–3pm

Venue Puketarata Garden, 14 Ngawhini Rd, Hāwera

Admission $95pp (includes workshop, all materials, and garden entry)

Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

A Remarkable New Plymouth & North Taranaki Garden Tour

Full day tour

Glyn Church, known as The Constant Gardener and a prolific writer, leads a tour around six exceptional New Plymouth and North Taranaki gardens.

Date/Time Sat 28 Oct 8.30am–5pm

Capacity 10

Depart Festival Hub

Admission $320 Includes garden entry and gardens tour by horticulturist specialist Glyn Church to six gardens, morning tea, catered lunch (with wine), afternoon tea and coach transport.

Round The Mountain Garden Tour Extraordinaire

Full Day Tour

Join the renowned Alan Jellyman, horticulturist and author for a guided tour of six premier gardens around Mt Taranaki.

Date/Time Sat 4 Nov, 8.30am–6pm

Capacity 10

Depart Festival Hub

Admission $350 Includes garden entry and gardens tour by horticultural specialist Alan Jellyman to six gardens, morning tea, catered lunch (with wine), afternoon tea and coach transport.

Bookings Essential

For bookings, venues and events visit: gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, Cnr Powderham & Brougham Sts, New Plymouth, Ph 06 7598 412

Bespoke Sustainable Backyards

Bus Tour

Full Day Tour

Relax and enjoy an array of hand-picked properties directly with Taranaki’s finest growers and makers. Be inspired, gain tips and enjoy beautiful kai during this informative tour.

Date/Time Fri 27 Oct 10am–4.30pm

Capacity 20

Depart Festival Hub

Admission $185 Includes garden entry and tours to four sustainable backyard gardens, catered lunch (with wine), and coach transport.

Kereru Bliss

Painting Workshop with Jayeta Valentine

Beginners and improvers can learn to paint a Kereru on a canvas in just one day. Yes you CAN. Jayeta’s teaching method is step-by-step, so you’ll never be left in a discombobulated tangle! Jayeta loves teaching, and her aim is for you to leave a class with a painting you are proud of (no drawing skills required). You’ll be using inks, acrylic paints, coloured pencils and pens.

Date/Time Tue 31 Oct 9am–4pm

Capacity 12

Venue 49 Huatoki Street, New Plymouth

Admission $180 Includes canvas board, all painting supplies and morning tea. Please bring your own lunch.

Introduction to Nature Journaling

with artist Jennifer Duval-Smith at Riverlea

Experience the power of nature journaling with botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith at Riverlea. Tap into your creativity at a relaxing on-site nature journaling workshop with artist in residence Jennifer Duval-Smith. She will guide you through this fun and explorative practice, which is suitable for all levels of experience. You will learn how to observe plants for greater accuracy, capture nature's details with confidence, approach any subject with tried and tested strategies, grow your faith in your own artistic ability and follow your personal curiosity to develop your own style and practice. Be sure to book promptly as these sold out early last year!

Small Group Classes

Favourite flowers of the Perennial Walk

Date/time Fri 27 Oct, 10am–1pm

Woodland gems from the River Walk

Date/time Sat 28 Oct, 10am–1pm

Hidden treasures of the Maple Walk

Date/time Sun 29 Oct, 10am–1pm

Secrets of the Rose Garden

Date/time Mon 31 Oct, 10am–1pm

Venue Riverlea, 367 Corbett Road, Bell Block, 4373

Admission $95pp (includes workshop, homemade morning tea, garden entry and all materials necessary).

Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential.

Pure Plant-based Platters

with Wild Pear Kitchen & Black Gates

Chere Bailey from Wild Pear Kitchen and Gill and Greg Miles from festival garden Black Gates, are joining forces to show you how to create bright, fresh and tasty plant-based platters. Think colourful hummus starring carrot and turmeric or beetroot, vegan cheeses, wild weed pesto and roasted vegetables, gluten free seeded crackers – and more. Pairing 35 years in hospitality with decades of growing vegetables means you will learn from the best – Chere is an award-winning café owner and Gill and Greg have a garden packed with edibles. This event begins with Gill taking a tour of Black Gates’ extensive veggie garden where much of the platter produce comes from. Chere will then lead a platter-making demonstration, and you can enjoy tasting an abundance of deliciousness… with a glass of wine! Make sure you bring your appetite.

“Learn the art of designing a platter from foraging in the garden, using quick and easy recipes and how to feed a large group affordably,” says Chere. “We’ll show people how to work with colour, heights and to put together a gorgeous-looking platter.”

“We will be teaching people about harvesting, preparing and free-flow freezing of garden produce – and how to use it to make fresh recipes,” says Gill.

Wild Pear Kitchen is open Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30am to 3.30pm during the Taranaki Garden Festival.

Date/time Sun Oct 29, 4pm–6pm Sun Nov 5, 4pm–6pm

Venue Black Gates, 6 Holly Oak Tce, New Plymouth

Admission $90pp (includes garden tour, platter demonstration and tasting, glass of wine).

Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Japanese Tea Ceremony

A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony is an art, a spiritual ritual, and a symbol of culture. It is believed that this ceremony maintains a peaceful mind, washes away stress and fatigue. The Japanese Tea House in Taranaki was authentically designed, built and landscaped in the customary style. All materials and tradesmen, including the gardener were brought out from Japan by the owner Mr Masashi Iwata during its construction in 2009. Participate in this unique experience of a Japanese Tea Ceremony prepared respectfully by the skilled Tea Master.

Date/Time Daily 11am & 5pm during the festival

Venue Japanese Tea House, 59 Dorset Ave, New Plymouth.

Admission $10pp

Capacity 10 per session

Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Wreath Making Masterclass with Jeanette Findlay

Join professional florist Jeanette Findlay to learn the art of wreath making. Using her expertise in all things flora-related, she will teach you how to make your own decorative and welcoming wreath for Christmas or any other occasion.

Jeanette opened her own flourishing floristry business in central New Plymouth in 1981 and trained up several staff who went on to open shops of their own.

A highlight for Jeanette came earlier than that: “I made Queen Elizabeth’s posy of flowers in the 70s.”

Her history of sharing floral knowledge has deep roots. She was involved in teaching educational weekends around the country for Teleflora and, for several years, was a tutor of floristry at the local polytechnic. Calling on that rich background, Jeanette will teach, inspire and guide you through the creative process to make your own wreath using plant material.

Date/time Thurs 2 Nov, 1pm–3pm

Venue Hurworth Country Garden, 603 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth 4371

Admission $120pp

Date/time Sat 4 Nov, 1pm–3pm

Venue Tairoa Lodge, 3 Puawai St, Hāwera

Admission $120pp

Bookings gardenfestnz.co.nz or TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Jazz Soiree with The Starlights

Come along to an evening of jazz classics from the '40s, '50s and '60s in the beautiful King Edward Park. Dress up and bring your friends to enjoy the energy and skills of the finest Taranaki jazz musicians.

Date/Time Sun 29 Oct, 4pm-7pm

Venue King Edward Park, cnr. High St and Camberwell Rd, Hāwera

Admission $30pp (includes fresh food picnic hamper) BYO.

Contact Miranda Cullen 027 571 8893

Tickets South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre 06 278 0555

Marcella's Markets

On the edge of the garden and open daily during the festival, you can find Marcella’s Market. Grab your espresso coffee, snacks and hot food from the onsite café, The Barrel, and peruse the handcrafted, quality goods from local stall holders. Plants, produce and garden art will be on display including local honey produced from bees on the property.

To see the full list of what’s on offer visit @marcellapointnz on Facebook.

The list keeps growing – just like a garden.

The Barrel

Full café amenities

Date/Time Daily 9–5.30pm

marcellapointnz

Venue Marcella Point, 280 Mountain Road, Lepperton

Admission Free event, usual garden fee applies (one ticket).

Meet Horses Helping Humans

Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori is an equine assisted learning programme that helps vulnerable rangatahi gain tools to proactively manage anxiety, anger and low self confidence. This in turn improves their assertive communication; their decision making when under pressure; and strengthens their resilience. Join us for an interactive experience to see behind the scenes at HHH. Have a tour of our venue, meet the amazing herd of horses and hear about our journey so far.

Date/Time Saturday's during the festival, 2pm (Sunday wet weather day)

Venue Goodin Country Garden, 158 Mirikau Rd, Warea, 4381.

Admission $15pp (under 12 Free)

Capacity 30 per session

Bookings jgoodin@farmside.co.nz

Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Audio Described Garden Tour For people with low vision

People with low vision are invited to tour five festival gardens, where foliage and flowers, paths and plantings, will be described in detail. Puke Ariki staff will be the audio describers of Te Kukumara, The Galleys Garden, Lepper Garden, Kahikatea and Te Henui Cemetery.

The bus tour, supported by Weir Brothers, is a day-long outing and people are asked to bring their own lunch.

Date/time Wed 1 Nov, 9am–5pm

Venue Tour leaves from the Festival Hub

W.R. Phillips Volkswagen Taranaki

156-158 Devon St West, NP

Admission $30pp (includes bus tour)

Bookings TAFT Office, 50 Brougham Street, New Plymouth Ph 06 7598 412. Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Mitre 10 Garden Speaker Series

Yahoo! Bamboo

with Carolyn Melling

Are you needing privacy from neighbours? Want a green screen in between? Your seclusion solution could be bamboo.

“Not all bamboo is a weed,” says Carolyn Melling, owner of Jungle Flora Bamboo in Auckland.

In her talk, Carolyn will show how easy it is to create a Pinterest-worthy garden using bamboo – and how selected varieties are ideal for urban screening. Attendees will learn the difference between runners and clumpers, why some bamboos become weedy, and find out how to pleach the plant.

Carolyn will also talk about controlling bamboo, the many varieties available and their uses, council regulations around planting and “how to look after bamboo to keep it looking amazing”.

Date/Time Sat 28 Oct, 10am & 2pm

Sun 29 Oct, 10am & 2pm

Mon 30 Oct, 10am

Venue Tropical Treasures, 816 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth.

Admission Free event.

Let's Grow Bananas

A workshop with Vance Hooper

Bananas have been growing in New Zealand for more than 100 years – now it’s time to learn how you can add a taste of the tropics to your own garden. Historically, growing bananas has been dependent on limited microclimates, but with careful variety selections and a few key cultural factors, the fruit –botanically a berry – can be grown more widely. Vance will share tips on banana propagation, establishment and ongoing garden culture to get the best out of these fresh-and-fruity jungle beauties.

Date/Time Sunday 29 Oct, 2pm Sat 4 Nov, 2pm

Venue Magnolia Grove, 6 Mahoetahi Road, Waitara.

Admission Free event, usual garden fee applies (one ticket).

Farmlands Klondike Gold Tours

with

Laurence Frost

Like the old miners in the Klondike, where knowledge enabled them to find the gold, we have Laurence Frost from Farmlands who relates to these great men.

Laurence, a qualified horticulturist with 40 years of specialising in propagation, will share his knowledge and huge enthusiasm on a tour of plant identification, potential problems and remedies.

Date/Time Daily 1pm

Venue Marcella Point, 280 Mountain Rd, Lepperton.

Admission Free event, usual garden fee applies (one ticket).

A Walk Through the PĀst

with Ken Horner

Puketarata Garden lies inside an outer rampart of the historic Puketarata pā site, one of a number in the nearby valley. Around the 16th or 17th centuries, the age of pā building began, and for four or five hundred years Puketarata was home to Māori who lived and gardened at the pā site or its adjacent kāinga (village) Keteonetea. Historic events had a destructive effect on Taranaki and on Puketerata/Keteonetea. In the 1820s the musket wars began, followed by the arrival of Pākehā in increasing numbers from 1840. By the 1860s the land wars had commenced. The area was confiscated in 1865 by the government along with most other Māori land in the area. Although there is very little specific history known of this time, Ken Horner, amateur historian and owner of Puketarata Garden, has pieced together some of the history of the land that has been his family home since 1983. Take part in a walk along the earthen structure that is the remains of the historic pā site and join in the conversation with Ken about Puketarata’s place in history.

Date/Time Sat 28 Oct, 11am Wed 1 Nov, 11am Sat 4 Nov, 11am

Venue Puketarata Garden, 14 Ngawhini Rd, Hāwera.

Admission Free event, usual garden entry fee applies (two tickets).

Cheryl's Tour

with Cheryl Burt

Meander around Marcella Point with Cheryl the self-named “non-gardener”. Her enlightening tour will explain her logic to the changes from last year to this year: From the new irrigation system (naturally a “look no hands” approach”) to the latest garden projects, how she made them and why. Included in this is the story behind the ANZAC inspired garden – truly moving.

Date/Time Daily 10.30am

Venue Marcella Point, 280 Mountain Rd, Lepperton.

Admission Free event, usual garden fee applies (one ticket).

Permaculture Food Forest

with Dee Turner

Take a walk around a permaculture urban food forest with gardener and teacher Dee Turner. Learn how you can combine fruit trees, fruiting crops, perennials, root crops, bulbs and climbers into an enhanced foodscape that feeds itself. Dee has done away with the conventional orchard and mowing. Instead, she grows plants in guilds around her fruit trees to feed them, keep bugs away and obtain a yield at the same time. Herb and edible groundcovers grow where grass once was, as well as alpine strawberries in profusion. Productive self-seeders sow themselves every season and perennial root crops don’t need planting every year. There’s always food to harvest all year round with minimal weeding and pruning – a great solution for a busy lifestyle.

Date/Time Daily 11am

Venue Korito, 28A Trafalgar St, New Plymouth.

Admission Free event, usual garden fee applies (one ticket).

Hanging Baskets Demonstration

with Jenny Oakley

Hanging baskets are fun and simple to do if you follow a few basic rules. You can create a spectacular combination of plants that you will enjoy for many months. Come along and learn about the tips and tricks Jenny uses when creating her spectacular baskets.

Propagating Plants

with Jenny Oakley

Jenny will share gardening tips on how propagation is inexpensive and easy. This is a great way to get new plants from shrubs you already own. Hear from Jenny as she shares her horticultural knowledge gained from years of commercial garden design and maintenance.

Hanging Baskets Demonstration

Date/Time Fri 28 Oct, 11am

Thurs 32 Nov, 11am

Sat 4 Nov, 11am

Propagating Plants

Date/Time Fri 28 Oct, 1pm

Thurs 32 Nov, 1pm

Sat 4 Nov, 1pm

Venue Oakley Garden, 79 Normanby Rd, Manaia.

Admission Free event, usual garden entry fee applies (one ticket).

Guided Walks and Tours

Pukekura Park Guided Walk

Join NPDC staff on a guided walk through one of New Zealand’s most significant public gardens. Learn about the history and fascinating plants and discover hidden corners whilst on this tour.

Please wear suitable walking shoes. A medium level of fitness is required. The event will proceed wet or fine. Meet outside the Bellringer Pavilion.

Date/Time Wed 1 Nov & Fri 3 Nov, 9am-11am

Venue Pukekura Park, Rogan St, New Plymouth

Admission Free event

Fernery and Display House

Pukekura Park

This tour and demonstration will give you a firsthand look at what goes into creating the stunning displays in the Fernery and Display Houses. You’ll see colourful coleus, exotic foliage plants and elegant orchids. Meet at lower entrance by the Fred Parker Lawn. Numbers for each Fernery tour are strictly limited to 20 per tour so registrations must be made to rose.hogwood@npdc.govt.nz in advance.

Date/Time Tues 31 Oct & Thurs 2 Nov, 11am-12pm

Venue Fernery and Display Houses, Pukekura Park, Fillis St, New Plymouth

Admission Free event

Te Henui Cemetery Guided Walk

Our dedicated Te Henui Cemetery volunteers will take you on a Colourful Characters Tour. Explore this heritage cemetery established in 1861 and restored by NPDC visionary Allan Jellyman and his team.

Date/Time Fri 27 Oct & Fri 3 Nov at 3.30pm

Venue Meet at the first roundabout inside the cemetery. 173 Lemon St, New Plymouth

Admission Free event

Easy online bookings

Bookings can be made through the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival website. This is a secure site for your ticket bookings.

gardenfestnz.co.nz

Phone bookings

Phone bookings will only be accepted with credit card payments. These can be done through the Festival Office, Mon to Fri 10am–4pm.

0800 746 363