Dannevirke: Couple keen to welcome garden guests

The wind has made gardening difficult in Dannevirke over winter and spring, but Lynne and Ken Mitchell take the elements in their stride.

"It's been hard, but we don't hold funerals for what we lose. Now when things are blown out we experiment with something else," Ken told the Dannevirke News.

The Mitchell's Umutaoroa Rd country garden is one of five open to the public in and around Dannevirke tomorrow and on Monday the couple were putting the finishing touches to an already immaculate garden.

With such a vast garden, Ken has been trying to El Nino-proof, with tanks collecting water from every roof, including Lynne's newest treasure, her potting shed built by Ken and their three boys.

"Building this was the best boys time we've had since they've grown up," Ken said.

While Ken likes to take time out to sit and enjoy the garden, Lynne is always on the go.

"I like to collect plants and I don't really want to go on holiday, I'd rather stay at home and work in the garden," she said.

She is looking forward to welcoming visitors to her garden and said the other four are all fabulous and a must for visitors.

Dannevirke open gardens:

* Saturday, October 31, 10am to 4pm. Entry fee $3 per garden.

* The gardens, 41 Maharahara Rd; 116 Adelaide Rd; 8 Guinane St;
221 Umutaoroa Rd; 384 Otanga Rd. Look for the orange balloons
on the letterboxes. There are toilet facilities available at
Umutaoroa Rd.