THE rhododendrons are in full bloom and the festivals are ready for the thousands of visitors taking in the beauty of our many gardens.
Taranaki will be celebrating the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival, Taranaki Fringe Festival, the TET Stratford Garden Design Expo, Taranaki Vintage Machinery Trail and so much more over the next 10 days.
Take some time out to share and be a part of this lovely time of year.
Below is a list of several local events happening throughout the festivals - October 31 to November 9.
Also don't forget to visit our numerous gardens on show and our local art galleries and craft centres.
Stratford Garden
Design Expo
The 'Stratford Garden Design Expo' features four of Taranaki's leading garden designers who will be showing their works in Prospero Place from Friday, October 31.
The designers are Layne McDonald, Richard Bain, Michael Self and Daniela Krumm, who will be preparing their gardens throughout the week with the guest judges, Xanthe White and Zoe Carafice announcing their decision at the Stratford Business Association BA5. The Expo runs until Sunday, November 9, with the announcement of the People's Choice Award.
Voting closes at 12noon, with the winner named at 2pm.
Jazz and Wine in Gardens
Relax and enjoy a garden or two after work. Take a break for a few hours in a festival garden and absorb the beauty, music and wine as well.
We are bringing you our very popular Jazz & Wine Series again this year. Four gardens are opening their gates after 5 pm so you can enjoy a spring evening with ambient jazz and a fine glass of wine.
This is a chance to get together with friends and amble through Taranaki's finest gardens.
Enjoy some great jazz and wine at Cairnhill Gardens on the Forgotten World Highway, Stratford, on Friday, October 31, from 5.30pm.
Christmas Flowers
In 2007 Denise was awarded the Supreme Award for Design Excellence at the Ellerslie International Flower Show.
Denise's career in Floristry encompasses 20 years experience, she is a Diploma Holder with the New Zealand Professional Florists, has won numerous awards for floral design, including Winner of Best Professional Florist and Best Interpretation of Theme, at the 2003 Flora Flora Competition.
Denise is also an Interflora Judge and examiner for NZ Professional Florists.
Denise will create and inspire you with her Christmas themed designs during this artful and imaginative demonstration.
Denise will be on show at Te Popo Gardens in Stratford on Saturday, November 1 from 10am.
Stories in the Park
Bring your children along to enjoy master storyteller and artist Stu Duvall. His unique performances have captivated and enthralled thousands of children of all ages. Stu's wonderfully crafted stories and original artwork will inspire and entertain your children and you.
Bring a picnic, dress up, come and listen to a traditional fairytale on Sunday, November 2 at King Edward Park in Stratford from 2pm (behind the Scout Den). Suitable for children of all ages.
Trees for Babies
On Monday, November 3, in celebration of all new babies born in our region during the past 12 months, the Taranaki Tree Trust, Plunket, Pukeiti, the festival and our three councils have joined forces to deliver this event for the community.
All local Plunket babies will have the opportunity to have a tree planted in celebration of their birth meet at the Malone Gates, King Edward Park at 12.30pm.
Organic Gardening with Ornamentals
Greg is the Regional Gardens Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council.
He has 27 years as a curator and manger of parks and gardens and has a passion for sustainable ornamental gardening.
He will share his experiences regarding plant and soil health, and the use of chemicals.
Have a look at some organically grown plants at Hollards Gardens that have more than good looks on offer!
Join Greg at Hollards Gardens on Saturday, November 8, from 2pm.
Hollards Garden will also be home to two farmers markets on Saturday, November 1 and 8 from 9am-12noon.
Taranaki Talent under the mountain
Come and enjoy a day out in the country and see these awesome talented people.
On Sunday, November 9, at Stanleigh's Garden on Dudley Road, Inglewood.
From 12noon listen to country singer Ann Pascoe, 1pm Vince Naus from Big Jims will show the latest plants for spring and 2pm Sharon Mackie-Langton talks about taking photos in the garden.
Vintage Machinery Trail
As a compliment to the garden festivals the inaugural Vintage Machinery Trail takes place from October 31-November 9.
There are seven sites from New Plymouth to Hawera showing machinery and relics from days gone by.
Brochures are available from information centres throughout the region or call Peter at CTTN to find out more.
Take some time out to share and be a part of this lovely time of year.
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