Soaking in Wonderful Gardens – Part Three.

Soaking in Wonderful Gardens – Part Three.

This was only supposed to be a two-part story, sharing all the wonderful things from my incredible weekend away with the New Zealand Garden Trust.  But in the words of my favourite 17^th century Philosopher Blaise Pascal, “If I had more time, I would have written you a shorter letter”.  But it isn’t just the time, I don’t want to leave out a single detail and there was so much to see, that I want to include it all to share with you all, but also to lock it away safe in my virtual memory, should one day I forget.

Woodend – I have really enjoyed seeing edible spaces being featured so prominently and not ‘hidden out the back’.

Woodend – how amazing are these begonia flowers?!

Woodend – I love the bold colour on seat. I may borrow this idea, I have a seat in need of a makeover….

Woodend – the vineyard makes a wonderful borrowed landscape.

Woodend – such a dreamy place to get married….

Woodend – the entrance through the hedge is so inviting.

Last time we met, I left you hanging hungrily at lunchtime as we made our way to an amazing vineyard garden at >Woodend<.   The autumnal colours made this garden sing and provided a bright joyfulness even in the midst of persistent rain.  We stopped here awhile to take in some lunch and even more wine, and a plant auction.  The plants had been contributed by the conference guests, many of whom are distinguished growers and gardeners and to be able to take home a piece of somewhere significant was a wonderful opportunity.  Many plants were fiercely but ever so politely fought over with all funds raised going back into the Trust to support the good works they do.  I ended up with an Artemisia alba ‘canescens’ that should be happy to make itself home in my new garden room.

The fun aside, this was also a stunning garden.  Unwilling to juggle my camera, a wine and an umbrella, I left the brolly behind and ventured out like little red riding hood – but in a purple raincoat.  There were so many practical ideas in this garden that I have squirred away for future use, updating existing structures or in the creation of new things. 

Taking opportunities to duck out of the rain found me in the most stunning begonia house, worthy of a botanical garden. It was a riot of colour in blooms and foliage challenging my perceptions that they are an old-fashioned plant, although I can’t see myself growing them anytime soon, but I can learn to appreciate them.  There was so much to see in this garden, I feel I can’t even begin to do it justice and should you get the opportunity, I recommend a visit (having said that – this recommendation applies to all the gardens we visited.)

Westgrove -old problematic shelter trees were cloud pruned to give this amazing display.

Westgrove – this is the most amazing vista – a garden to be proud of.

Westgrove – the attention to detail and the creativity are outstanding.

Westgrove – I love how the boundary creek has been landscaped. The creek beyond her boundary was weed choked and neglected, but hers was so vibrant and full of life. Always garden – right up to the edge!

Westgrove – the hedge clipping was fabulous!

Westgrove – there were plenty of places to sit in this garden, so it could be admired from all angles.

>Westgrove<  was another stunningly wonderful formal garden.  At first glance it looked incredibly polished and perfect, with cloud pruning and precisely clipped hedging. However closer inspection revealed clever planting combinations and the endearing personality of the garden owner seeped out of the garden beds.  Tackling this garden from a new build home and surrounding bare land in the midst of grape growing country, shows a remarkable achievement in creating a fabulous garden.

Finally, I would be incredibly biased to say this phenomenal last garden was one of my favourites – aside from the fact it was, it was also where I was blessed to stay while I was down in Blenheim and the delightful Lynne and Rob Hammond were such generous hosts and treated me like family.  I’ll never forget their kindness. I’ll also never forget the home or garden!  Both have been created out of grand visions inspired by the very best of Italy. >Longfield Garden< oozes opulence befitting the style, and anything less wouldn’t do the vision justice.  Columns, statues and fountains fill the space defining symmetrical garden rooms.  The plantings complement the character to a Tee with clipped hedges and espalier fruit trees heaving with pears and enormous Peasgood Nonsuch apples. Some of the stonework was rescued from the earthquake stricken Catholic Basilica in Christchurch and couldn’t have found a more fitting home. The garden is bold and grand and the result of an amazingly passionate dream.

Longfield – the fountains are gorgeous and provide a lovely audio backdrop to the magnificence of the garden.

Longfield – fruit trees are well used to help create a specific look, but also help give back with something delish to eat!

Longfield – The colonnades are balanced so well with greenery, drawing you further into the garden.

Longfield The garden rooms are in perfect proportion and you could easily imagine yourself in a vineyard in Italy.

Longfield – the Orangery is the perfect place to sit at the end of the day and listen to one of the many fountains and soak in the view.

Longfield – how perfect is this espaliered pear against the brick work – I envy the tree and the wall!

My feet were relieved to find this was the last garden and the remainder of the time was sitting down, and the main dinner where the food was excellent, and the discussion convivial and firm friends were made.  The follow day was more sitting, but my mind was blown.  I learnt so much and it has caused a shift in how I’m thinking about my own garden and let me tell you more about that later.

During the long trip home was ringing the words of Dr Suess “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”  It was the most fabulous event, and the organising committee should be proud of themselves.

If you love gardens I’d strongly encourage you to check out New Zealand Garden Trust Gardens in your area or even take it one step further and become a friend and maybe next time you can come to the conference, and you’ll become our newest best friend.  Gardeners are the nicest people and so welcoming.

Come again soon – I’ve had an epiphany!

Sarah the Gardener  : o)

NB:  Clicking on each image will reveal the full size version and clicking on the i will expand the description.