Towering trees the backbone of Te Popo Gardens

IN THE care of Bruce and Lorri Ellis since 1996, Te Popo Gardens near Midhirst earned Garden of National Significance status in January 2005 and continues to thrive and evolve.
Started in the late 1970s, trees are the backbone of this huge garden and five acres of immaculate grounds with perennial borders and under-plantings surround the house.
Bruce and Lorri decided to take the garden in a new direction and have opened up a further seven acres which has roughly 400 ornamental trees, mown paths, bridges suspended over breath-taking 50 foot gorges and is surrounded by native forrest.
Though some trees are young in horticultural terms, Taranaki growth (the rainfall and soil being major contributors) plus judicious removal and pruning has created a fascinating woodland and park that defines the whole garden.
Individually planted areas and borders are linked to create a seamless flow.
They have also developed an Australian garden that has been a labour of love, a delight and a disappointment, but has now established itself as one of the treasures of the garden and is quite unusual for Taranaki, and New Zealand.
Te Popo also features waterfalls, ponds and trails through native forest dominated by Tawa's.
In spring, bluebells and daffodills wow the visitors and in summer, the colour of the perennials is dramatic and eye catching.
In autumn, wonderful colour burst through as the deciduous trees lose their leaves and in winter, the skeletal bones of the garden are fascinatingly visible.
The garden doubles as a country garden retreat and Bruce and Lorri said the upkeep of the garden and hosting guests is more than a full time job.
In summer, Lorri spends about three or four full days a week in the garden, as well as fitting in duties involved with managing the retreat.
In autumn and winter four or five days out of seven are dedicated, and in spring, every waking minute spared from guests needs is spent in the garden. For Bruce, regardless of weather, most weekends and every public holiday, he can be found around the grounds of Te Popo.
For Bruce and Lorri, being part of Te Popo Gardens requires dedication, commitment and love for the craft, but it is all worth it.
They were re-assessed as a Garden of National Significance last November and are expecting good results later this month.