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

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.

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