Rotorua Festival of Gardens

GREEN PARADISE: Mark and Heather Cropper will open their Paradise Valley property for the biennial Rotorua garden festival.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Paradise Valley Lodge owners Mark and Heather Cropper hoped to earn a modest living when they bought a run-down property seven years ago.

The couple have since worked tirelessly to transform the site previously containing old buildings, blackberry and cow dung into a prized asset.

The Croppers' one hectare property, north of Rotorua, is one of more than 40 gardens open to the public this weekend for the biennial Rotorua Festival of Gardens.

With last week's downpour of rain and recent warm weather, the garden will be well worth visiting in its late spring and early summer pomp.

"We wanted somewhere with a large garden where we could earn a living," said Heather.

The couple fell in love with the location and the garden site and considered the buildings could be used for accommodation.

"Seven years of hard work later, our slice of paradise has become a reality that we enjoy sharing with our guests."

More than half of the gardens featured over the three days are new to the festival with a mix of town and country gardens.

All profits will go to the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter service.

DETAILS
WHAT: The Rotorua Festival of Gardens
WHEN: Today through to Sunday.
WHERE: 40 gardens to visit throughout Rotorua region.
COST: $30 for 3-day pass (or $20 for seniors) including the guide book and maps. Available from Palmer's Garden Centre Rotorua, Cottage Flair Ngongotaha, or phone John Rainbow (07 332 2767).