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Creating the Ellerslie International Flower Show's star attraction from the other side of the globe isn't fazing British landscape designer Sarah Eberle.
But she said yesterday she ruled out including agapanthus in her piece, after discovering on her research mission the plant's "quite horrifying" pest-like status in New Zealand.
Eberle was made a member of gardening royalty as best in show at the coveted Chelsea Flower Show in May. Ellerslie International Flower Show managing director David Mee said it was the first time talent of her calibre had been attracted to the event in Manukau.
Other firsts for the November gala would be a blacked out tent, which would feature garden lighting, he said.
Details of Eberle's work were still under wraps, but the 20m by 10m work will continue themes of her 600 Days with Bradstone piece from Chelsea.
It will explore the designer's interest in famous architects Caesar Manrique and Antonio Gaudi and incorporate volcanic stone and native plants.
