Te Puke residents Ron and Pat Howie’s garden is a collector’s paradise. The couple have managed to integrate cottage perennials with natives, subtropicals and succulents; but although the areas of planting are distinct, they flow seamlessly from one to the next, taking visitors on an exciting journey of botanical discovery.
Steve and Diane Hart’s semi-formal garden is situated just north of Katikati. Highlights include an ornamental yet productive potager, interesting embellishments from Diane’s collection of rustic bric-a-brac, and adorable miniature horses.
Littlefarm, John and Bridget Little’s garden at Pyes Pa, has been 33 years in the making. An architectural designer and artist/florist, the pair combined their talents to devise a master plan during the early stages of the project. Their penchant for collecting recycled materials helped in creating the colonial-style buildings, which are enhanced by a formal English garden.
Homewood’s 1876 dwelling has been extensively renovated by owners John and oilenka Holwerda. oilenka’s design skills are also apparent in the garden, where she’s developed a stylish formal entrance, large-scale potager, cottage border, paved rose garden and an arbour leading to a crabapple walk. There’s also a beautiful orchard area.
Bonnie Bill and Cliff Van Eaton’s Papamoa garden surrounds their oediterranean-style home, which is located behind Bonnie’s garden centre and café, Pacifica. This is a must-see spot, which I guarantee will raise a few eyebrows with its stylish and inspirational (yet achievable) ideas, and Bonnie’s clever planting schemes.
oayward Homestead, near the Kaimai Ranges, is owned by John and Judy oahar. Existing natives flourish alongside exotics including rhododendrons, hostas, maples and daylilies, and a stream running through the property links the garden to a cool bush walk.
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