ZOE REISS
Garden lovers will have the chance to explore 18 stunning gardens in and around Motueka during the Motueka Garden Trail, held on Friday, 15 November and Saturday, 16 November from 10am to 4pm.
Among the featured gardens is Michael Edwardes’ 25-acre property, which blends natural beauty with personal flair. His garden includes a lake that reflects its surroundings, mature trees and a wide variety of flowering plants.
“It’s just a private garden, so it’s not like a public garden,” Michael says. “You have more of the flair of the individual person that’s living there.”
He compares the experience to visiting Monet’s famous garden in France.
“I’m sure when Monet was living in his garden, it was really lovely, but now it’s still nice, but it’s what they call institutionalised… it doesn’t have the care of when Monet was there.”
Michael says rhododendrons are currently in bloom, alongside maples and a range of irises suited to both dry and boggy conditions.
Having lived in Motueka for 40 years, he has opened his garden in recent years to support charity causes.
“People love it, and they often come on Saturday, and then they’ll come back with their husbands, children, mothers, or somebody.”
The Motueka Garden Trail is a fundrasier for the Motueka District Toy Library.
Tickets are $30 and include a programme and map. They are available online here and at selected outlets in Motueka, Māpua, Richmond, Appleby and Nelson.
