Bluebells carpet woodlands

Molly, a labrador-border collie cross, checks out the bluebells. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Fans of spring flowers and traditional English woodlands should head to Roland's Wood in Kerikeri.

The popular dog-walking park on Inlet Rd, about 3km from the centre of town, is currently carpeted in bluebells.

The bluebells emerged earlier this month but are expected to keep flowering into October.

John Horrell, one of the key volunteers behind Roland's Wood, said the combination of magnolia trees, daffodils and bluebells meant there was more colour this spring than in previous years.

The daffodils had been outstanding with a wide variety flowering at different times over a four-month period. Volunteers had spent the past few months fixing storm damage and putting in new paths and plantings.

Mr Horrell said the number of people visiting the 4ha park was increasing all the time. "I used to know everyone who walked there by name. Not now."

The bluebells flower over a roughly six-week period from early September. They are concentrated under beech trees near the entrance to the wood.

The 4ha woodland was bequeathed to the people and dogs of Kerikeri by the late Roland Sansom in 2001. It is vested in the Far North District Council and administered by a trust.

Mr Horrell and fellow volunteer John Graham were last year named Gardeners of the Year by NZ Gardener magazine in recognition of their efforts.