Tour details (all prices inc. GST)
|
Thursday 3 November |
9.30am - 4.00pm |
$110 |
|
Friday 4 November |
9.30am - 4.00pm |
$110 |
|
Saturday 5 November |
9.30am - 4.00pm |
$110 |
Please note all return times are approximate.
Rapaura's free draining alluvial soils provide the perfect conditions for thriving plants. On this tour you will explore this stunning countryside providing some fantastic gardens. You will visit five fabulous gardens and, as a delicious treat, Makana Confections. Inspiration and indulgence are the key ingredients to this wonderful tour. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Old St Mary’s Convent – Layonie Seque.
Old St Mary’s convent is set on an estate of 60 acres of vineyards and parkland. Spring Creek flows through the property. The gardens were first developed in 1994 with widespread plantings of oaks, gingko, ash and cyprus and the formation of the lake. Later widespread plantings of lavender and roses were undertaken along with a citrus and herb garden near the house. More recently a rhododendron garden, picking garden and a monarch butterfly habitat have been established together with extensive planting of natives and the creation of walkways around the creek area. A rose arbour near the lake and a gazebo and knot garden beside the Church was installed in 2010.
Upton Oaks - Dave and Sue Monahan. 
Upton Oaks continues to evolve around the 1911 Victorian Villa. Very much a romantic’s garden with an abundance of colour all contained within a formal framework of hedging and walls, which define and separate the different garden rooms. From the much photographed knot garden through to the borders, you can wander through the olive grove into the new blue and white gardens. Raised vegetable beds and espaliered fruit trees provide abundance in season.
Filoli - Fiona Patchett
Filoli is a garden evolved over the years portraying Fiona’s passion for flowers. Being a florist, her garden has been planted not only for its visual display but also for picking. The garden has recently been extended through to the vineyard via an old timber structure, rescued from the demolition of a local building. A rustic water and mirror feature is central to the courtyard area of this beautiful garden.
Kilravock Garden - Richard and Lisa Rose.
This established country garden offers us surprises at every turn. Upon entering it your eye is immediately drawn down a long vista towards a mass planting of thousands of daffodil bulbs. On either side mature borders give a layering effect featuring mature oak trees with under plantings of rhododendrons, camellias and hostas. Drifts of foxglove and summer flowering white poppies add a romantic touch. Meandering paths, garden sculpture and curving boarders make Richard and Lisa’s garden a tour of discovery.
Riverbank – Adrienne Fairhall and Pete McLean
The original “Spy base”, Riverbank was once one of Marlborough’s best kept secrets. In the early 1940’s eight young navy wrens lived here intercepting enemy Morse code. It was an unassuming wooden farmhouse surrounded by a two meter high barbed wire fence complete with armed guard. The homestead is now surrounded by 100 year old trees, with a babbling brook, orchard, relaxed garden, cottage, stables and tennis court it was one of the very first vineyards planted in Marlborough. Riverbank is a secret to be shared with both garden and wine lovers
Morning/Afternoon teas and Lunch are included in this price
