The busy season is about to begin for Far North garden lovers, with the Kerikeri Garden Safari this weekend and Kaitaia's over November 7-8.
Water is the theme for the Kerikeri safari, with many of the 17 gardens featuring ponds, inlet views, fountains and even an indoor water garden, ranging from small urban plots to sprawling coastal estates, all within a 15-minute drive of the town centre.
Refreshments will be available at two pop-up cafes, one operated by Hospice Mid Northland at Oakridge Villas (garden 5) and the other by the Northland Tuis Marching Team (garden 14). Tickets ($25) are available from gardensafari.co.nz, and at Kerikeri New World, Shoestyles (Kerikeri and Paihia), Kwan's Garden Creations and Unichem Kerikeri Pharmacy.
The Kaitaia safari, which will once again raise funds for Riding for the Disabled, will focus on properties south of Kaitaia, as far as Victoria Valley and Takahue. Fourteen gardens will be on the itinerary, including Anne and Ian Walker's home just outside Kaitaia (on State Highway 1), featuring several acres of garden (that was completely re-established in 2008) around the 100-year-old homestead.
Sue and Danny O'Brien's Victoria Valley property (The Glen) has been developed to attract native birds, and includes a small dam planted with water lilies and surrounded by ferns, while the bromeliads will also be of interest to many.
