Couple create their slice of paradise

FAVOURITE: Sandy Howard in her favourite spot of her three acre garden. PHOTOS/STUART MUNRO 115WCSMGARDEN3

When Sandy and Russell Howard moved into their home 18 years ago they saw the potential of the garden at first sight.

The five acres of empty Tokomaru West property became their piece of paradise and, with some help, they have built every single bit of it.

The three acres of actual garden contain a paddock with six sheep, tadpoles and frogs in a mini-pond and a great selection of bird life.

One half of the land contains a large duck pond with a bridge, tall trees and a gazebo built by hand.

This section is Sandy's favourite spot and is a great place to go down and enjoy "a nice cold beer".

Sandy says she has a passion for gardening and has always loved it.

"I'm always in the bargain bins at the nurseries."

The garden contains more than 1000 plants. One of the standouts is Bambusa textilis Gracilis (fairy bamboo).

Sandy says when she and Russell began the garden, a man came in with a little digger so there were fewer back problems.

"I used to drag three hoses from a tap over there, and I just found it hard," she said.

Their son and daughter each had their weddings on the bridge, and 20 weddings have been held over 10 years in the front paddock. They held a few garden parties and garden tours in the past, but found it a lot of work.

Their two grandchildren love riding their bikes through the garden but will stay clear of the electric fence. Sandy said she wanted to create a colour palette in the garden, so she grouped all the same-coloured plants together.

She also learned which plants do not do well in the area, and says patience is the key.