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Four new gardens in 2013 PowercoTaranaki Garden SpectacularFor those that think they have seenit all before - there are also four newgardens in this year’s festival includinga large country garden, an inner cityhaven, and two old gardens beingbrought back to their former glory.Stanleigh Garden near Inglewoodis a two-acre rustic love affair in thecountry for its creator, Donna Busby.Starting with a fabulous display ofhostas along the entrance driveway,it’s easy to see why the garden is afavourite for wedding receptions.Using recycled hard wood timber,Donna and husband Wayne havecreated quaint walkway bridges, postand rail fences, swing chairs and even aminiature cottage offering picturesquephoto opportunities. Water features,wagon wells and other rustic artefactscan be discovered around the gardenwhich is located near Inglewood onthe lower slopes of Mt Taranaki atapproximately 400 metres above sealevel.Another new garden to the festival isBohemian Embassy in central Hawera,South Taranaki. This established halfacre garden is coming back to life afteryears being hidden away behind a wallof green. Perennial and mixed bordersin the romantic cottage style have beenplanted around mature trees. This is aplant lover’s garden with a wide rangeof unusual perennials, alpines andwoodland plants.Another garden undergoinga renaissance for the festival isMangaoraka Terraces near NewPlymouth. This old established gardenis being rejuvenated by Betty McDonaldand John Treweek into an excitinglandscape of old and new plants. Withits different levels, it’s a garden full ofsurprises as so much is hidden.Meanwhile, Sequoia Steps in NewPlymouth is a garden designed withlow maintenance and outdoor living inmind by Shane & Mel Hurliman. Thegarden’s sheltered areas are perfectfor BBQ’s and watching the sunsetwith a glass of wine in hand. Shane’sbuilding abilities have created strikingstructural features, while Mel’s love offragrant, soft hued flowers and foliageis being extended and refined.Each of the new gardens willoffer visitors a diverse and inspiringexperience, says Festival Manager, LisaEkdahl.“It takes a huge amount ofeffort to develop and preparea garden to the standardwe require in the festival,”explains Ms. Ekdahl. “Sowe’re really thrilled to openthe garden gates to four newstunning gardens for ourvisitors.”Four of the gardens in the festival arepublic gardens and are free to enter.The remainder are private gardens withan incredible range of diversity fromcoastal sub-tropical gardens to subalpinegardens.Located right around the Taranakiregion, they also range in style fromlarge, country-style rambling gardens,to gardens with a focus on nativeflora, intimate inner-city gardens andtraditional Japanese-style gardens.Taranaki’sGardens ofSignificanceGardens of InternationalSignificanceTe Kainga MarireGardens of NationalSignificanceTupare • Hollards Garden • PukeitiPukekura Park • PuketerataOakley GardenGardens of SignificanceLockinge • Mary’s PlaceNikau Grove • OpenlandsMerleswoodProud new owners, Debra &Martin invite you to discoversomething spectacular at CaféBotannix, inside Palmers.Enjoy home baked treats,delicious meals from ourseasonal menu and the finestblend of coffee by Sierra.OPENDAILY9am - 4pmCnr Katere andDevon Roads,Waiwhakaio,New Plymouth.Ph: 758 7455LIVE MAGAZINE I SPRING 2013 I 29