GARDENS 1 & 2

The OWHANAKE EXPERIENCE – two properties whose owners share their love for restoration of the land and linked by a third property enabling visitors to walk a loop. The location of Art Out There where the Waiheke Community Art Gallery will be showcasing this year’s outdoor art works – all pieces are for sale.  Also, where you will find the ‘Scarecrows’ Picnic’ – a first for 2009.

The opportunity to visit and enjoy these wonderful properties should not be missed!

Drive through the security gates which will be opened by a volunteer.  Parking is available on the grass on the right at 219 Delamore Drive.

Garden 1- 219 Delamore Drive, Matiatia Estate – Richard and Angela Aitken

An elevated property predominantly planted in hardy natives to suit the environment. You are welcome to wander around the house and enjoy the stunning views in all directions. Planting started about 7 years ago and our most recent addition is a substantial raised vegetable garden at the rear alongside a covenanted area of ancient Maori kumara pits. Linger and enjoy Obsidian wines, No 29 olive oil and other tasty treats.
Parking:Roadside
Security gate will be manned.
Lunch available

Garden 2 - 209 Delamore Drive, Matiatia Estate – Gary and Erin Clatworthy

Extensive, mainly native, plantings over the last 12 months – a substantial project for Waiheke’s Brent Hutchison  with a lot of assistance from Gary. Auckland Landscapes designed the plantings to enhance the house which we planned to feel as if it ‘belonged’ to the land.  Overlooking Owhanake Bay with meandering walkways - wander down to Dog Flat, home of ‘Dog’ and loop back up the coastal track to Garden 1.
Parking: Roadside

Garden 3 - 64 Mako Street Oneroa – Jim and Jill Lorch

Jim and Jill’s vision is simple…. enjoy the process of gardening, grow fresh food and create a beautiful place. Over a period of ten years, together they have slowly developed the landscape through a hands-on approach.
The front garden is filled with palms, yuccas, agaves, echiums and bromeliads interlaced with citrus and pineapples. The path down the side of the garage leads to a sunny covered deck and patio with roses, bananas, large flowering cacti and formal Greek statues.  On through a trellised gateway is the back garden with a paved walkway around a grass badminton court.  Behind this are eight raised vegetable beds, overflowing with a variety of vegetables, surrounded by fifteen different fruit trees. A highly effective composting system is housed in four large bins and used on all the gardens.
The variety of plants including many swan plants to encourage monarch butterflies and the many quirky animal ornaments reflect Jill’s passion for plants and animals.  An old woodshed  incorporates a green house where Jill raises all her seedlings and Jim indulges in his passion for bonsais.  A gate leads onto a circular patio, ideal for hot summer days, with a peaceful cottage theme and a winding path connects back to the front garden.  Small cacti and large succulents adorn the front verandah and this theme continues down a small garden back down to the road.

It is mainly a flat section with easy walking access, and good roadside parking.

Garden 4 - 44 Kiwi Street Oneroa – Carolyn Fuller

When first designing this garden I wanted paths leading to separate areas, each with their own unique design and space.  The first stage eight years ago was the layout of the paths, installation of the ponds and planting of the palms there now.
Over the last three years my current landscaper, David Lawrence has completely
redesigned the planting as well  as adding several features including the raised deck, meditation and vegetables gardens. Following the recent renovations of the house the front of the property was redeveloped from scratch. This includes a private courtyard the downstairs living areas, incorporating a flip-up deck to hide the problematic placement of the septic system. David’s innovative ideas, his attention to detail and knowledge of the plants has given me a garden that never fails to surprise and delight myself and the people who visit it.

Garden 5 - 3 Tawa St. Little Oneroa - Jillian Goulding

Having finished building the house in 2002, the owner started the pleasurable task of designing a tropical garden showcasing a spectacular view of Little Oneroa Bay.
After years of hard yakka and help from Grant of Roughly Refined and Clinton Emtage creating the landscaping, the garden transitioned effortlessly from hardy succulents to lush tropicals, natives, fruit trees and vegetables. Outdoor windows and white stone pathways invite you in to discover an exotic range of bromeliads, ferns and flowers.
There are some interesting garden art works created by the owner.

Garden 6 - 39 Ocean Road, Ostend - Eleanor and Graham Ashby

This garden has been developed over five years using trailer loads of seaweed compost and mulch. It has been a labour of love. There has been an amazing transformation from a sloping underdeveloped section of gorse and pampas grass into what you see today – an enchanting garden of colour and fragrance providing a perennial palate for all to enjoy.  Eleanor has a passion for rosés and has in the past exhibited award winning roses. She is also a highly regarded national judge in various rose competitions. 

Her roses are abundant in colour and variety. This garden is of interest to many who have a love of gardening and can see the possibilities of developing a picturesque garden on a regular section.

Garden 7 - 29 The Causeway – Deb Paton

The garden is a hidden gem which faces north with uninterrupted views of Zell Vineyard and estuary and whether the tide is in or out the scene is beautiful. It’s in a little valley with a microclimate where the bird life is magic. This tranquil garden has a charming sense of longevity that Deb would like to share with you.
Deb created an eclectic garden on this steep terrain which has 72 steps leading down to the water.  The landscaping team, Exposed Terrain took approximately 10 months to create the garden using a huge amount of rock, punga logs and sleepers.
Exposed Terrain wanted to plant natives and combined these with Deb’s plan for flowers and interesting pockets of ambiance and places to sit. Deb’s goal is to achieve a low maintenance garden within two years…then it will be four more.
You are invited to wander down through the garden or stand at the top and admire the view.  The steps are many but wide and user friendly.
Large parking bay outside the property.

Garden 8 - 44 Erua Road – Ken and Lois Clark

Originally a citrus orchard this Erua Road property has been developed into a true working garden over the last three years. Lois and Ken have in depth knowledge about permaculture and the concept of Square Foot gardening which you will be able to see and learn about from the owners.  Ken is a passionate advocate for the Square Foot gardening method and with 60 years of knowledge to impart Ken will fascinate keen gardeners. This garden allows Lois and Ken to be virtually self sufficient in vegetables all year.

Garden 9 - “Wharetana” - 65 Vintage Lane, Te Whau - Mike and Karen Robertson

Colour is the order of the day in a garden best described as English country cottage meets New Zealand natives and sub-tropicals.  Clever landscaping incorporates existing older plants  and gives the garden a mature feel belying its youthful 4 years. More recent terracing offset with weathered sleepers demonstrates what can be achieved in just one year. A curved path leads to Savvy Point and spectacular views over Dead Dog Bay. Continue down the slope on a path marking the transition from vineyard lawns to native bush to meet a gentle track. For the adventurous (and energetic) the beach reserve beckons as the track winds through restored native bush. On the return don’t miss the extensive netted veggie gardens, lavender borders and citrus planting overlooked by the picturesque children’s playhouse.

Garden 10 - “Rangihoua Estate” 1 Gordon Road, Rocky Bay - Colin Sayles and Anne Stanimiroff

In 1995 when Colin and Anne purchased the property it was a piece of swamp land covered in gorse and tobacco weed.  Over the years it has been dramatically transformed into a well established sub-tropical garden set in a valley of mature native bush. The edge of the bush line has been planted with subtropical plants and has a fantastic Nikau Grove and pond.
An easy amble takes you through a garden, complemented with olive trees creeping up the hillside featuring under-planting of wild poppies.
Rangihoua is home to one of New Zealand’s most prolific award-winning olive oils, and if interested one can view the process and taste the oil. The inspiration for establishing the olive oil production came from Stonyridge vineyard and from trips to Italy. Their vision has now grown into a well established business that produces oil from their 1,000 trees as well as from other olive growers on the island.

Refreshments are on sale. There are toilet facilities.
There is an opportunity to buy plants from the Jassy Dean Plant Sale on site.
Parking on the roadside with easy access and gentle walks.

Garden 11 - “The Kitchen Garden” at Woodside House, 694 Gordons Road Rocky Bay

Estate gardeners Neil Stephenson and Shane Estick call themselves “amateur gardeners” who are learning as they toil to create a working garden and a work in progress.  The gardens of this small coastal estate are being slowly developed through organic practices, taking note of the environment, history and wishes of the owners. The main features on view are kitchen garden, pickery, melon beds, nursery.  There is a short walk with where you can see a delightful tree house and a water garden in the process of being created from a former mossy swamp.  This garden has been created with passion and hard physical labour.  During the process mistakes have been made of this but each mistake has created a new opportunity. This very popular garden won the People’s Choice award in the 2006 Safari so don’t miss the opportunity to see it this year.

Garden 12 - “The Crest” 745 Orapiu Rd- Archie and Janet Pape

A challenging and exposed hill top garden – with 360 degree views of the channel and surrounding Islands. 

Janet and Archie Pape have lived on this beautiful site for seven years, and describe their garden as one that has just grown up through the gorse and tea tree, creating meandering paths around the steep slopes – no designer landscaping here …a real hands-on garden. The larger trees that are part of today’s landscape were planted 25-30 years ago, and have been complimented now with many different plants and shrubs, with trees under-planted with bromeliads, aspidistra, orchids and other surprises. A large orchid house and a productive vege garden complete the picture. Be sure to check out the lovely display of hippeastrums along the south side of the house.

Affordable garden art wind wands and plants will be for sale on site.

Parking up the drive is limited, or a 100-metre walk from the roadside.

Garden 13 - “Kauri Ridge” – Jim and Agnes Tully

When Jim and Agnes purchased Kauri Ridge 20 years ago it was farmland and a very difficult site. However with Jim’s ability for planning and earth moving the problems were overcome.  Both Jim and Agnes are practical hands on people the result of which is seen today. The property now features a driveway through beautiful mature native bush, an abundant orchard and a stunning vegetable garden.  The one acre flower garden consists of shrubs, annuals, perennials and roses and is enhanced by magnificent sea views. The garden is divided into a series of “rooms” separated by hedges and wooden fences providing an element of surprise from one garden to another.

Refreshments are available.  There are toilet facilities.
Parking in on the roadside with limited parking for the elderly near the house.

Garden 14 - Wells Bay, Cowes Bay Road –Tony and Judy Laity

 The Wells Bay gardens were started in 2000 when Judy and Tony moved to the family home which was built in 1910 and has been in Judy’s family since 1947.. The garden is east facing with a beach frontage, lawns, oleandars, oaks and palms as well as many mature natives including some octogenarian pohutukawas. There are fruit trees, a vegetable garden, a herb garden and a dry garden.  Because of the micro climate, a subtropical garden was added in 2000 with bromeliads, agaves, aloes, echiums, hibiscus and frangipani. The gardens abound with native birds. Local stone has been used extensively and integrated with a water feature. There are many paths and walks that provide extensive views to Ponui and Rotoroa islands. 
Please note – the entrance driveway is steep suitable only for 4 wheel drive vehicles. Off road parking is available and transport to the garden is provided.

Garden 15 - 443 Seaview Road, Onetangi – Gabrielle Young and Bruce McClelland

The owners moved to this property in May 2009 and immediately commenced developing an overgrown neglected mess, crying out for restoration
Gabrielle’s vision was to create an organic food garden to feed the family, as well as sell the excess via their business - Giverny Organics.  Based on permaculture design principles, it is a living model for sustainable living and a training centre for sustainable living courses, as well as a haven for the family to enjoy.
The front of the property is Mediterranean in style boasting an olive grove, with a border planting of wild poppies, corn flowers, alyssum and nigella.  Enter a large walled courtyard into a lush edible landscape before stepping down into a walled lower room with subtropical plantings and a grape arbor. The main vegetable gardens include eight large raised beds and small field gardens which cleverly use of all the vertical spaces to grow food – these are companion planted with herbs and heritage flowers. Finally you descend a set of steps to the lower gardens and orchard.  Ponds, chickens, bees and the cultivation of mushrooms are also planned for this area.

A storyboard of the gardens development will be available, as well as information on the permaculture design. Workshops will include organic food production, bokashi  and other composting methods,  growing nutrient dense food and garden planning.

Garden 16 - 17 Miro Road Palm Beach - Lucy and Steve Clerk

In 2003 Lucy and Steve Clerk completely rebuilt the house doubling it in size and affording it an outside fireplace and decking.  In 2004 Bruce Steele came up with a landscape design to suit the steep site, sourcing plants that were hardy with colourful foliage. A petanque court was designed to also serve as a seating area. Black railway sleepers were used for retaining, and shell-filled steps to access the different levels. Waiheke stone steps were built to access the petanque court.
The garden was then planted with approximately 700 plants including olive trees, lavender, agaves, echiums, palms, frangipani, succulents and pink-foliaged iresines.  Later Lucy and Steve added red carpet roses, stone and iron sculptures and …don’t miss the unusual tea cup flower!
On arrival you will walk up through a brushstick entrance, up steps to the top of the section to views over Palm Beach.  .
To exit the Clerk garden, walk through to the neighbouring property at Number 15.  This garden is still in its infancy, having been designed and planted only one year ago, but is an excellent example of the beginnings of what will be a haven of palms and grasses.