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10 Manawatu Standard Tuesday, February 9, 2010 www.manawatustandard.co.nz GARDEN Perfect spot: Paths and walkways allow access to all parts of the garden. From bare paddock to paradise Just off the main road, at the northern end of Woodville, Sue Emeny discovers a hidden treasure called Te Matau. Transforming a bare paddock in Woodville into a beautiful garden has had its challenges, not the least of them being the weather. But Heather and Bill Hirschberg have overcome all obstacles. They moved off their 364ha (900-acre) sheep and beef farm in Pohangina Valley and into Woodville 13 years ago. They wanted to build a house, run sheep and lambs, and feed calves on their new 8ha (20-acre) property. Heather also wanted to establish a garden to rival the one she had created at their former home. She had completed a garden landscaping course, which had proved helpful as she pursued her interest. The garden was created in stages, and has evolved over the years as it has increased in size. ‘‘I keep my eyes skinned for ideas that I can adapt to my garden. The garden is always evolving, and that’s why it’s so enjoyable.’’ For the past 10 years, the garden has Lonely bloom: Heather Hirschberg displays a solitary hydrangea bloom. Normally, the bush is smothered with flowers. But bad weather put paid to this year’s display. been open to the public. Initially, Heather approached the New Zealand Garden Trust and asked to have her garden included on the trust’s register. But four years later, when the anticipated crowds of visitors still hadn’t materialised, she decided to go it alone. Over the years, there haven’t been a lot of visitors. But the people who have viewed the garden have found their visit worthwhile and enjoyable. One thing the trust did teach Heather was that gardens have to be maintained to a high standard. ‘‘You can’t have a garden full of weeds. I don’t like asking people to pay if the garden is not up to scratch.’’ As Heather has arthritis, and finds the garden harder to maintain, she is downsizing some of the beds. But she has no intention of giving up gardening. ‘‘We are pretty well self-sufficient,’’ she says. There is a good-sized vegetable garden, apple and citrus trees, feijoas and raspberries, and red and black currants. A granny smith apple tree has its days numbered. ‘‘We bought a tree that had three different apples grafted on to one root stock. Apparently, the green apple will take over and affect the fruiting of the other two apple trees by taking all the nourishment from the soil.’’ The garden is virtually organic as Heather uses only Neem Tree, Perkfection, seaweed and other organic products as needed. Vegetables receive a handful of sheep pellets and blood and bone when they’re planted, and that’s it. ‘‘I don’t like sprays. I think they cause all sorts of health problems.’’ Frosts are one problem. The wind, which has at times ripped vegetables out of the ground, is another. ‘‘It is a challenge, working with the frost and the westerly wind, but you learn to cope with it.’’ Shelter belts have largely taken care of the latter, Heather says. This year, conditions have been unusual, and have even included some snow. ‘‘The soil is beautiful to work with. Everything seems to grow extremely well. August was great. Everything was coming along well. But then, in October, we had four horrible frosts.’’ Continued page 11 Latecomer: This wisteria’s late blooming, during the height of summer, is unusual and is attributed to the unsettled weather. Old favourites: Dahlias and phlox provide a riot of colour. In tune: The garden has been created to complement the Hirschbergs’ ranch-style home.
www.manawatustandard.co.nz Manawatu Standard Tuesday, February 9, 2010 11 GARDEN Self-sufficient: A lush vegetable garden provides food throughout the year. Courgettes and cucumbers are planted inside old tyres, which provide support as the plants grow. Continued from page 10 This is the fourth garden that Heather has created over the years. Leaving a garden she has created can be a wrench. But as time has passed, she has learned to deal with it. ‘‘I never go back to a garden I’ve made. Everybody puts their own stamp on their garden. I don’t want to know what’s been pulled out.’’ She feels the important thing is to leave something behind. ‘‘We always leave a place as good or better than when we came,’’ Heather says. It’s a philosophy she has carried over to their farm. ‘‘We only have top-quality stock, and leave a place after having made something of it.’’ When they moved to their current property, there were only four paddocks. Over the years, paddocks have been divided, fences put up and a woolshed built. Because it has become harder for Heather to work in the garden, she feels it might be time to shut the gate on garden visits. ‘‘I enjoy sharing it with people; so if someone wants to visit, they have to ring first and take it as they find it.’’ Picture perfect: A beautifully kept lawn is framed by trees and shrubs of all colours. 2471711AA • Windows & Doors • Replacement Joinery • Conservatories • Metro Series • Thermal Heart • Smartwood Distributor BERNIE WALSH ALUMINIUM, 11 Miller Street, Dannevirke PHONE 06 374 8027
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