Garden Tour
Rural Ramblers Tour

This tour takes you from the outskirts of Blenheim through to a large rural garden in Havelock visiting on the way gardens tucked away in the valleys. Sturdy footwear and a reasonable degree of fitness are recommended for this tour. Lunch morning and afternoon teas included.

Devon ~The Garden of Jill Rodgerson

A garden created by a plantaholic over many years. Special plant varieties sourced throughout NZ and the adjacent nursery with many old and rare plants saved from extinction. This is a garden full of interest, textures and fragrances. Attached to the garden is a plant nursery to include in your visit if time permits.

Okaramio Farm Garden ~Tony and Lone Sorensen

Okaramio Farm is a rambling garden covering approximately 2 acres. It is a gardener's garden reflecting the owner's love of digging holes and putting plants in them! Since purchase in 1999 many shrubs and trees have been planted to attract native birds to the garden. A small stream runs through the garden which also is home to many roses. Part of the garden leads up to a majestic old oak tree more than 100 years old.

Tui Retreat ~Neil and Glen Peek

This half acre sloping section houses a large collection of hostas and strategically placed large pots. Little rooms with outstanding use of plant combinations and a creek fed pond are features of this garden. During the winter it is a haven for Tui's and Bellbirds.

Cottonwood ~Colin and Cheryl Payne

Cheryl and Colin bought Cottonwood Grove 2 1/2 years ago as an established 1 1/2hectare garden that had wonderful structure with a wide variety of trees and plants had been extensively planted that it had become a bit of a wilderness. Taking out trees (about 40!) and heavy pruning of others had been their main undertaking to allow the myriad of hostas, winter roses, hydrangeas, rhodos etc to thrive.

Braeside ~Dr Vic and Rita Jacobson

Vast areas of Rhododendrons delightfully under planted with a variety of ground covers.  Contoured paths climb the slope above the natural creek through natives and exotics to a summerhouse lookout facing the Pelorus Sound. Other features include a bog garden, camomile path and a large rockery backing a crazy paving roundel where a stone well is the focal point.

Return times are approximate