Visiting gardeners treated royally in Dannevirke

Valerie Buckley, 91, is the oldest Eskview Garden Club member.

Gale force wind and rain didn't dampen the spirits of Hawke's Bay gardeners who made a pilgrimage to Dannevirke last week.

The garden tours were organised by former Dannevirke woman Judith Buckeridge for the Eskview Garden Club, with members travelling by bus and private cars to Lynne and Ken Mitchell's country garden on Umutaoroa Rd and then on to Don and Ann Massie's garden at Otanga Rd.

"Everyone wants to come back. We had the most fantastic day," Mrs Buckeridge said.

"We were treated royally at the Mitchell's with lunch and a garden walk. We then went on to the Massie's garden and the garden club ladies were thrilled when Anne shared so many cuttings from her garden for members to bring back to Hawke's Bay. They are a lovely memory of Dannevirke.

"Both gardens were such a delight, with magnificent colour and the roses were outstanding."

For 91-year-old Valerie Buckley the garden visit was something to treasure.

"You'd be surprised what I've learnt in decades of gardening," she said.

Mrs Mitchell said she loves her plants with a passion and is happy to share it with visitors.