Garden Safari 2012

Going back in time. Blogger does not let you move posts. More stuff from the archives.

Spent one pleasant day looking at a number of gardens in the Ahipara general direction. It is always good to see what other people are doing with their land. Sometimes I am inspired with new ideas for combinations or designs. Often I see things that I do not like. It helps to crystallise what works for me and what does not. My stan out favourite garden was that of Eric and Sandra Shackleton. They have a large property in the Pukepoto hills with views along Te oneroa aTohe to Mt Camel and beyond. A large part of the property is taken up with a commercial vineyard. We sampled some of thewines and particulary liked Quails run. Eric told us all about the nuances of the grape varieties that he uses. We also liked the native planting on several acres of steep hillside. Eric reckoned that he had put in over 80,000 trees. It was QEII covenanted to keep it for ever. We also had a look inside his house and were impressed by its coollness and features. I did not really take to any of the gardens in Ahipara. There were a few things that i did like. Like a planting of Alyssum on a she=ll path in one small garden. There were lots of succulents and sand plantings. Clarries and mare's garden was the best of them as it blended native with moexotic and screened the neighbours well. We visted a carver along the foreshore and his detailed work was very impressive. Roll on another year and well done to Kaitaia RDA for organising it.

What happened in Term Four?

What did happen in Term four? Must have been busy because I did not get around to updating the blog. I shall have a look in the picture folders to remind myself what happened.

We spent a great weeknd at lane Cove with Nicky and Phil and their children. It was the weekend before the end of year exams started so Eric took his economics books with him. The rest of us enjoyed the fine weather and spent a lot of time on the water, kayaking, boating, fishing and swimming.

Summer Solstice