There's been a weeding, manicuring and mowing frenzy in many Rotorua gardens over the past months - all in a bid to get the city's most fabulous gardens primed to perfection.
Over the next three days, the Rotorua Festival of Gardens is being held, and it's a chance for those who don't have green thumbs to steal some tips from those who do.
"That's the idea. The festival is to share ideas and ask the people who created the gardens about their ideas and the plants they've used," said festival chairman Paul Shaw.
The festival is held every two years and this year more than half the 45 gardens are new to the festival. The city has been carved up into geographical sections to make it easier for people planning their routes and it's a lovely way to enjoy the city's environs with the showcasing of residents' gardens.
Many of the gardens make the most of the natural environment and scenery, and people will enjoy rambling through them. Some gardens have stunning views while others show the imagination of their owners.
"People will be amazed by the tremendous variation in the gardens, from the smaller city gardens to the rambling country gardens, and the different ways people have used plants," said Mr Shaw.
While some people may have visited the gardens at previous festivals, all gardens changed with time and there was a good chance they would look different this time around, he said. As well as sharing their top tips, many gardeners will have items for sale.
More details available at www.rotoruagardens.org.nz.
- What: Rotorua Festival of Gardens 2015
- When: Today until Sunday, 9am-5pm
- Tickets: $30 for three day pass from Palmers Garden Centre, McLeods Booksellers.