Cultivating addiction to roses

David Shaws in his Parikino garden. Photo/Bevan Conley

David Shaw lives on a tiny piece of paradise at Parikino, on the Whanganui River Rd.

"I've never lived anywhere else in New Zealand. I grew up here, moved overseas for 16 years, then came back to live here four years ago."

In early summer, the neat garden surrounding David's house blazes with roses, some planted by his mother, but many planted by David himself.

All around the garden are beautiful views of farmland, hills, and protected native bush.

David's immediate next-door neighbour is his brother, who runs the 400ha sheep and beef farm. The farm has been in the Shaw family for about 70 years.

David said he inherited his love of gardening from both his parents, who have passed away.

"I've loved gardening from when I was a little kid. Dad was a keen veggie gardener, and mum loved flowers. I don't grow veggies myself, but my sister-in-law next door has a veggie patch.

SUNNY AND BRIGHT: David Shaw works in his garden nearly every day.

"I just love roses. I really have to stay away from the nursery; I'm a little bit addicted."

David said he has "lots of grand ideas" for how he can add more roses. His current favourite rose in the garden is "Lemon & Lime", which is a creamy-yellow colour tinged with green.

David has a busy job as an advertising consultant for the Wanganui Chronicle, but he manages to spend a lot of time in his garden at this time of year.

"I get home from work about 5.30pm, I always come out to the garden - there's always something to do. It's just so enjoyable, time seems to fly by.

"I sometimes work in the garden in the weekends as well, but that depends on whether I'm helping my brother on the farm."

There's plenty of food available for the roses in the form of sheep manure, but getting enough water to the roses in summer can be difficult.

"The soil is a mixture of river silt and clay, and it really dries out in summer, especially as we're on spring water," David said.