Special offer for green thumbs this Mother's Day

Landscaper Michelle McDonnell revamped her backyard and garden will be among places showcased in this year's Bay of Plenty Garden and Arts Festival. Photo/file

A limited offer of Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival tickets are up for grabs in time for Mother's Day this year.

Traditionally, tickets can't be bought until later in the year but a special offer has been made available, said festival director Marc Anderson.

"We recognise that the tickets offer a brilliant Mother's Day present idea, so we've pulled out all the stops to make this happen.

"It's a great present for those who love gardens and/or art, or for those who will just love the prospect of four days visiting some the Bay's most beautiful properties."

Anderson said tickets will be available at a discounted price of $50, which covers a pass to all four days of the festival, plus entry to the family-friendly Bloom in the Bay activities that will be held at the festival site at Tauranga's Historic Village. That price is cheaper than the early-bird special rate.

The exclusive ticket offer will be available in the lead up to Mother's Day, between April 28 and May 13. Beyond that, those wanting tickets will need to wait until the early bird sales in July.

The festival will run from November 15 to November 18.

Anderson said the festival offered plenty to please, including the introduction of at least 15 gardens new to the event. Some gardeners have featured before but have moved house and hence have new gardens to showcase, with examples including Tauranga landscaper Michelle McDonnell, and Gael Blaymires (formerly of Looking House Garden). Old favourite gardens, such as Heather Loughlin's Amberwood, will again feature, and the line-up of artists also includes plenty to get excited about.

Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival Mother's Day special tickets will sell through the Ticketek website www.ticketek.co.nz, phone 0800 842538, or at the box office at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre in Tauranga.

People buying Mother's Day tickets will receive acknowledgement of purchase and the recipient will be sent a full festival pack in September, closer to the festival dates. The festival packs will include their four-day pass, a directory of gardens and artists, a map, and other relevant information. Those with any queries around the Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival Mother's Day special purchase can email the festival office at info@gardenandartfestival.co.nz.