Devonport Road
Tauranga
31 October 2013
Wow, what a garden. Infact what a property! I think most of us stood in the front white garden laced with white wisteria, with our jaws dropped.
This 2226m2 garden is a Mark Cashmore design of no more than 5 years old. Nine thousand bricks were sourced from all over the north island to create an old English look in the courtyard and paths. The wrought iron gates were specially designed to look old. The metal urns also added to the established look.
The front garden was amazing – a blend of all things white. White hydrangeas, helaboras, lirope, camellia, star jasmine, grandiflora magnolia, daphne, xmas lily, anenome, iceberg roses, wisteria and impatients create a relaxing and restful place. Ficus, moptops and a Japanese hedge creates formality and structure.
We make our way round to the main garden to find an extensive green space with water views. This large space is filled with an established copper beech tree and a meilia (bead tree). It has several ‘rooms’ - a ficus covered outdoor fireplace, a potager garden and a cottage garden. The hard stuctures in the garden were done with concrete block and plastered, once again adding to the aged look of the property. Toparied buxus balls are strategically planted around the garden. Privacy is gained by a line of grandiflora magnolia trees on a side boundary, which is underplanted with hydrangeas. 
The front bank which leads down to the boat shed and water was filled with ‘junk’ when Sally first bought the property – this was cleared after hours of hard work by Sally. The bank was then planted with hot colours, hydrangeas, natives and grasses.
What an amazing heritage property, a one of a kind. Sadly the property is on the market. If only we could buy it.
Michelle
