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.

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!

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