Garden tours to raise Pukaha funds

SERENE: Visitors enjoying McDonald garden, on Willow Park Drive, Opaki, during last year's Wairarapa Garden Tour. INSET: A statue in repose in McDonald Garden.PHOTOS/FILE

Pukaha Mount Bruce will once again be holding their annual garden tour to raise funds to keep Pukaha's wildlife safe.

This year the two-day event will be held on November 8 and 9, a Saturday and Sunday.

Pukaha Mt Bruce spokesman John Gilberthorpe said the Wairarapa Garden Tour has gained a reputation for showcasing a variety of interesting Wairarapa gardens - most of which are not normally open to the public. This is the fourth year the garden tour has been held.

Last year an estimated 800 garden buffs visited 18 gardens.

"This year the garden tour will focus on South of Wairarapa gardens including Martinborough, Greytown and Featherston.

"Gardens range from grand well-established gardens and farm gardens to newly established 'town' gardens.

"One particular garden, Waiorongomai Station, was established in 1850, has its own church (All Saints Church), and is so special that a book has been written about the farm and its owners," Mr Gilberthorpe said.

He said Pukaha Mount Bruce will soon be releasing details about special Early Bird tickets for this year's garden tour which will go on sale on August 1.

"The Wairarapa Garden Tour could not be held without the generous support of garden owners who have opened their gardens to be part of the tour and support Pukaha."

He said the garden tour is a significant event for Pukaha with all funds raised go towards protecting Pukaha's Mount Bruce's wildlife.

"Pukaha Mount Bruce are tasked with raising $150,000 every year just to maintain the current level of predator control in our 940-hectare forest."

For more information visit www.wairarapagardentour.co.nz. To register for ticket updates email gardentour@pukaha.org.nz.