A selection of NZ gardens to visit
The latest garden to list on the site is is Ngata, An expansive English country garden of national significance , nestled in the heartland of the Rangitikei.
Here, you will find an outstandingly designed Alfred Buxton country garden set within 3 acres, boasting views over the Hiwera Valley and on up to the majestic Ruahine Ranges in the far off distance, to the south.
This garden features large old English trees, such as oak, linden, liriodendron, beech, (copper and native), elm, cedar, ash, plane, and a parotia persica, all dating back from 1936.
View garden...
Recently I visited the Blue House Garden in Amberley. If you have not visited this garden before, I highly recommend it for the plant selection and layout. It has a naturalistic theme which looks effortless (but won't be!) and that is a testament to owner and garden designer Jenny. Sumptuous photos on her Facebook and Instagram.
This garden excels at texture and layering and colour. Seed pods are left for effect, special plants are showcased but the ordinary is also special. Wee pots of succulents grouped together; thuggish plants behave very politely in very drought prone parts of the garden and the contrast between simple plants looks deceptively effortless. I think you get the message that this garden rates highly with me.
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful oasis with me.
It exceeded my expectations and the high tea was exquisite. You have inspired me to get on with my life projects!
Such a magical and truly unique garden. Exploring the many pathways and features along the way is a delight - Jenny’s imagination and passion for her creation is infectious!
We were lucky enough to stay 3 nights in the B&B cottage on site at Aramatai Gardens (highly recommended!). Jill is a wonderful host and her garden is beautiful. The ponds, lovely trees, seating areas, and naturalistic pathways make this a very restful garden. We also enjoyed seeing the white geese waddling about, cute piglets in the adjacent paddock, and friendly farm dogs who greeted us warmly from over the fence. Jill’s garden is well worth visiting and I’d love to see it again in November/December, when the peonies and roses will be doing their thing.
They are so good for the kids and adults it was like a world of wonder land with its hard worked products and tasty goods on the table. It might be made by hand, but you can tell it was worked on for months.
It is a must-see!
Thank you very much for our visit today. Your kindness and hospitality is very much appreciated. Your garden is a real credit to you both.
What a wonderful way to fund-raise for our Zonta Awards - a Garden Tea in a beautiful rose garden of one of our members. Thanks to Val Lott for her generosity in hosting us at her home. Our guests appreciated Val's generous sharing of her knowledge of her garden and the roses. Even though there was a mixture of sunshine and a little liquid sunshine, our guests really enjoyed the company, the delicious food, the ambiance of the afternoon and the background music by a talented young musician. Recommend as a venue
Anne and Ron a quick thank you for providing Somerfield Garden members with such a wonderful visit to your amazing garden (the tulip tree was a very special topic of interest and discussion) and also for the lovely home prepared lunch. You are getting a well deserved reputation for the quality of your delightful food and I have to confess that personally I ate far too much as I could not resist a second visit to the table.
Thank you for a wonderful visit yesterday to a wonderful garden Anne. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and I know they will never forget it. Very many thanks,
Hi Anne & Ron, I just wanted to thank you both so much for our wonderful garden visit on Monday. Our members were all so appreciative of the time you spent with us and amazed at your beautiful garden and the vast variety of plants. We all came home inspired.... thank you again for sharing your stunning garden with us and making us so welcome in your home.
Gardens to visit is a collection of New Zealand's most beautiful gardens that open to the public.
