Gardens 2019
Garden 1
3 Tiri Road
Jan and Bryan Covacich
Landscaping the property ourselves has been both satisfying and challenging! Pampas grass, reeds and honeysuckle covered much of the section and there was no vehicle access. We cleared small areas at a time, terracing a bank and creating paths and steps with sleepers. Wearing high viz vests and hard hats we collected rocks from the local quarry and built retaining walls.
Raised beds protect veggies from rabbits and kowhai and other natives attract tuis and kereru. Our garden gives us immense pleasure and is a constant reminder of dear friends who gave cuttings, plants and trees including an Australian Kauri planted to mark the millennium.
Garden 2
2 Empire Ave, Enclosure Bay
Emma Murray
Looking out over the waters of Enclosure Bay this property was designed specially to give amazing views out, yet minimal views in. When standing in the higher parts of the garden the views over the water make it seem like a private bay at the foot of the property. Yet the lower regions are denser with shell paths winding through bush like natives, allowing the property to have privacy from the road and beach. The large palm trees and cluster of olive trees bring a touch of foreign exoticism to this largely native garden. Throw in some small patches of lawn for relaxing seating and an ample Petanque court for play time and have you have a wealth of options all in one garden.
Garden 3
17 Marama Ave
Glenn Fowler
I have been visiting Waiheke for many years and finally moved here 13 years ago, buying a house with a very run down garden. I knew nothing about gardening so it was all trial and error and following my instincts. I had many ideas from the gardens I viewed on my morning walks and in my capacity as a wine tour guide with much inspiration from thegardens of Mudbrick, Casita Miro, and Poderi Crisci.
I have tried to create many small areas of interest, natives, citrus, courtyards, fountains, decks, English country, and a green house.
Being in the Waiheke Garden Festival was always an ambition for me and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Garden 4
20 a Hamilton Road
Barry Danby and Stuart Jobling
How does your garden grow? Our garden is in recovery mode after suffering distress from a house lift over a period of 6 months. Last year, we were amongst the trees now we are above them with views over our garden. Being in a sheltered position, the sub tropicals have thrived!
Although this is only a smallish garden, it has a nice intimate feel.
Artist and garden owner Stuart Jobling will have his art studio open for visitors.
Garden 5
8 Shelley Beach Road
Simon and Mary Wright
When we first came upon the overgrown but FLAT section with an assortment of derelict buildings in Shelly Beach Rd overlooking the achingly beautiful Putiki Bay, we fell in love with it. Now 8 years later, like a good marriage, we are more in love with it than ever because it is slowly but surely becoming what Mary and I believe should be the embodiment of a garden, beautiful and productive.
Productive now as we have 32 species of fruit and berry plants together with a year-round bountiful veggie garden.
with bird song, bubbling water and lapping waves, the perfume of Stephanotis, snail vine and sweet pea, the feel of varying barks and foliage and of course the taste buds are delighted by all manner of produce from avocado to persimmon.
We are blessed that we are the guardians of this wee plot.
Stop by for sweets, sandwiches, tea and coffee from Mary Wright's own Food With Flair www.foodwithflair.co.nz
Garden 6
61 Whakarite Road
Jo Hill
"Starting three years ago my aim has been to create a garden that incorporates, within a framework of old Kanuka, a love of native trees and plants, old favourites, plants grown from friends’ cuttings, vegetables, sculpture and a range of exotics that I’ve never grown before. Colour and fragrance are important in various areas and colour specific fragrant plants near the house.
Also important to me is not feeling enclosed by the surrounding trees and being able to see through them. Much of the planting is new this year and, as in most gardens, the work is far from complete."
Artwork by Oliver Stretton-Pow will be exhibited in the garden.
Garden 7
9 Erua Road
Geoff and Christine Thomas
We were fortunate to inherit the efforts of the original homeowners who had the forethought and vision to plant a large number of the trees and shrubs you will see on the property. We have since thinned some out and added others, as conditions changed.
Additionally, we have incorporated extensive hardscaping to enable easier access around what is quite a steep 2000m2 property.
Once past the cottage, follow the signs along the pathways and up the steps in the lower area. This takes you to the main house. Go up the steps to the right and continue to the very top. Catch your breath and admire the view of ANZAC Bay.
Garden 8
47 Margaret Reeve Lane
Jo Davies and Meriel Watts
This 1.6 ha certified organic property provides fruit,
vegetables, herbs, eggs and olive oil to a local on-line co-op, as well as sustaining the household. When Jo and Meriel purchased in late 2002, the property had been grazed by cattle for many years, and there were two large pine trees where the eco-house (built of non-toxic materials) now stands. Run-down bush areas are gradually being weeded and replanted with native seedlings. Meriel and Jo maintain two large vegetable gardens, a herb garden, over 50 fruit trees and a small olive grove themselves, with the occasional helping hand in the last year or so.
Also, make sure to not miss Meriel's workshop:
The Whys and Hows of Gardening Organically
with Dr. Meriel Watts Saturday 11:30 am,
A brief discussion on why we should abandon chemical inputs in our vegetable growing and how to do without them, covering seeds, pest management and soil inputs (including compost, liquid fertiliser and worm farming), with Dr. Meriel Watts.
Garden 9
324 Waiheke Road - Awaroa Vineyard
The Vintner’s Garden
Awaroa Vineyard is a boutique organic winery, with a newly opened Tasting Room perched among the hilly peaks above the coast. The distinctive wine red building by Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects is enveloped by a beautiful yet resilient permaculture principled garden, with unfolding views offering tantalising glimpses of graceful olive, fig, almond and walnut trees. Described as ‘designed wildness,’ gently undulating planted mounds form a protective nest around the Mediterranean style gravel garden. Planting integrates native flora with an intricate range of dry tolerant pollinator insect friendly flowering plants that put on a vibrant and enticing display throughout the changing seasons.
Designers:
Daphne Mitten Landscape Architect
Lara Cheadle Landscape Designer
