Newcomers add to fest

Visitors to this year's Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular can see seven new entries, says festival manager Lisa Ekdahl.

There are 47 gardens in all and the new ones will provide added interest to keep the festival fresh. The new gardens are also greatly varied in style and size.

"We have a great cross-section including two established gardens that were in the festival a long time ago," she says.

One of those is Te Puke Awa at Lepperton, which was originally nurtured by Dennis and the late Pauline Lepper. Now their son, Graham and wife Robyn have revitalised the country garden, clearing out over-grown areas, under-planting beneath trees and adding perfumed roses.

"We are hoping it will look up to the standard it should because it was Pauline's love," Robyn says.

The other is the Palmer Garden at Hawera, which has had a 15-year break from being in the New Zealand's premiere spring festival.

Pam and Bruce Palmer are both retired now, so have more time to spend in the large town garden.

"Quite a few people asked us, so we will see how it goes this year," Pam says.

The couple are excited about being back in the festival. "We just thought it would be nice to share the garden with the public."

Pam and her sister will be doing Devonshire teas during the 10-day Spectacular, which runs from October 30 to November 8.

Lisa says both are beautiful gardens for picnics and have space for children as well.

Three other new properties are Hilltop Vista and the Holyoake Garden, both in New Plymouth and KenKora at Opunake. "These are contemporary gardens and have amazing outdoor areas, garden art and are structurally strong."

At Omata, people can visit Roebuck Farm, where there is a bio-intensive vegetable garden. "This is something brand new for us," Lisa says. "Jodi's commitment to returning craftsmanship back to agriculture is a pleasure to hear about and he's a wealth of information."

The final newcomer is Manganui at Inglewood. Jo and Grant Hall's place is a garden in development and works on organic principles. "He has a creative way with his hard landscaping, which is his business," Lisa says.

Diversity is key to the festival, so these new gardens add variety to the other 40 special gardens that come in all shapes, sizes and styles, she says.

"To be a festival garden takes great passion, hard work, time and commitment all year round, not just the 10 days of the festival, and I would encourage all people to visit the new gardens and the old, because nothing is forever," Lisa says.

In past few weeks, Taranaki has lost three of its great gardeners. Long-time festival supporters Jim Hopkirk of Makahu, Pauline Lepper of Lepperton and Joyce Young have all died. "It's a great loss to our gardening community," Lisa says. "Joyce Young was in the festival programme and, just days before she died, she came into the festival office to get more programmes. She was her normal exuberant self and in great form."

For more information, visit www.gardenfestnz.co.nz