Sowing the seeds for garden beauty

BEAUTY: Simon Tremain admires Maree Forde-Harris' award winning property. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Beautified commercial and residential properties alike were recognised in the Tremains Street As Awards.

The annual competition was a new twist on typical garden awards which encouraged home and building owners to look at improving the front of their property to add street appeal.

At the award's final judging there were 11 entries within the commercial category, and more than 30 entrants in the residential category.

Winner of the Residential category Maree Forde-Harris said she was overwhelmed and "absolutely amazed".

Since moving into her Danvers St property six years ago the 80-year-old had worked hard to transform her garden.

"When I came here there were only a couple of roses ... now it's a sea of flowers."

Her small garden holds more than 300 pots, a diverse range of plants from shrubs to perennials, and a rock garden.

There was also a "wall of roses", which Mrs Forde-Harris thought was around 3m-high.

She said she was amazed at how beautifully businesses in the commercial category had been done up.

"I couldn't believe how wonderful the buildings were."

Winner of the commercial category Peak Dental was commended for their use of colour, the effort gone into making their architecture stand out, and how they linked all elements together.

Tremain Real Estate managing director Simon Tremain said he was really impressed with the effort people had gone to in beautifying the district.

"We live in a stunning part of New Zealand and these awards are about having a lot of pride in this area. It's a good way to give back to the community."

He also commended the work the Hastings District Council had done over the past few years to earn Hastings the title of most beautiful city.