27 June 2013
Valley Gardens
Lund Road
Katikati
http://www.valleygardenslodge.co.nz/gardens.htm
Standing in my driveway I contemplated the ominous grey clouds and worried about the prospect of rain. Would this be our first g3 visit in a down pour? I hunted for my umbrella and rain coat.
Parking the car at Valley Gardens we assembled and made our introductions to James our host. He explained that he had moved from the UK to New Zealand four years ago and purchased this 12 acre property. The basic structure and hard landscaping of the garden were in place but James had plenty of work to do.
We expressed our interest and amazement at how James had known where to start in this large garden on the other side of the world with such a different climate and so many new plants, trees and pests to contend with. Throughout our garden tour we were astounded by his knowledge and passion for the local flora and fauna, which he had mostly gained through independent study and research.
After spending several minutes quizzing James about his impressive composting methods we headed up the bank past specimen planting. We discussed encouraging vigour in trees by pruning back extra limbs. James was contemplating a brave chop on a Liquid Amber with duplicate trunks. We looked at the shelter belt of the garden where possums had been stripping and eating the bark with such determination that he feared for their survival. Not a challenge he had faced in the UK. Other large specimens of note were a Banksia and Greselinas.
We stopped to admire some impressive tropical plantings on a pebble covered section complete with ponds, which was planted cleverly to flow down the hill as if it was a dried river bed or lava flow. An Agave flowered with a 2m spike and other bright orange aloes thrived, attracting birds and providing exciting colour bursts.
A work in progress was the plantation of 260 Kauri trees on a sidling of the property. Instead of fighting the gorse on the bank he nestled the plants amongst it. Once they are tall enough they will shade out the gorse causing it to die away. We paused to look at a new garden bed with native Kaka Beaks and a Cherimoya tree (native of the Andes) which James grew from seed after discovering the fruit to be delicious.
We made our way to the native bush walk section of the property. This is a labour of love for James who discovered after purchasing the property that the bush was under covenant. He cannot chop down trees or alter the bush without permission and has to work towards weed control. Lately he has been planting seedlings that will become taller trees as this bush is lacking in canopy trees but very abundant in tree ferns, particularly Mamaku, Wheki and the Silver Fern.
We crossed a custom built bridge and looped around the impressive bush. James has developed the path to show case this area for his guests and family. On the loop we looked at some of his favourite specimens and also at the types of weeds he has to keep control of.
We stopped only briefly at the vegetable garden and chook house after realising time had flown by and Monique and Megs needed to say goodbye. After munching red guavas in the orchard, the remaining g3ers were treated to coffee and homemade muffins looking out on the vast lawn (6 hours to mow) and amazing view. Thanks very much to James for agreeing to see us at late notice. We are very impressed by your efforts, knowledge and commitment to your large and diverse gardens.
And although my toes did get a little cold and damp it never did rain, so our weather luck continues.
Paula
