Lord of the Rings, sheep shearing and Kiwi delicacies were all part of the mix that cast a spell over 200 international gardening experts who hit the Bay yesterday.
Tauranga's Palmers Gardenworld, Bethlehem's Decor Greenworld, Oropi's Naturally Native and Papamoa's Pacifica Garden Centre underwent the ultimate test as horticulturists from around the world scrutinised everything from their pruning techniques to their displays.
The visit was part of the annual trip made by the members of the International Garden Centre Congress to different international destinations.
Congress organising committee chairman and Nursery and Garden Industry Association (NGIA) vice-president Lance Bills said it was a real honour for Tauranga to be chosen as one of the three New Zealand tour destinations, which also includes Auckland and Wellington.
The city's four garden centres taking part pulled out all the stops when experts from as far away as Europe, America and Japan bombarded their premises yesterday.
The garden centres provided visitors with the opportunity to experience the kiwi lifestyle including a traditional Maori powhiri, centre employees dressed in hobbit regalia and local musical talent.
Tauranga's displays were a clear demonstration that the centres were among the most "innovative and forward thinking in terms of giving customers the ultimate buying experience," said Mr Bills.
This is only the third time the congress has been held in the Southern Hemisphere and only the first in New Zealand, he said.
So, what do the experts think of our clean, green environment?
Ron Bent from a garden centre in Cheshire, England said he was "definitely impressed" with Tauranga garden centres. "Both the products and the displays are of high quality." German gardening journalist Doris Ganninger-Hauck said she was excited by what New Zealand had to offer garden enthusiasts. "The garden centres provide consumers a "real" gardening experience.
Congress chairman Mr Bills said New Zealand had one of the most competitive garden centre markets in the world.
Tauranga businesses were all excellent examples, he said.
International experts praise local garden centres
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