Nature and art intermingle in this year’s Raglan Horticultural Society’s biennial Garden Ramble on Saturday, November 9 from 10am-4pm.
Open to the public, it’s a perfect opportunity to get more than a peak over the garden wall of some of the top 10 garden’s in Whaingaroa, with six featuring local artists work set amongst the flora.
Keen gardener and creative Pauline Abrahams is back for a third time, showing off her quirky garden at 4 Uenuku St.
“Someone made a comment once that my garden was quirky so I called it Quirky Creations,” she laughs.
The 80-year-old reckons her love of gardening is one of the things that keeps her fit and healthy, and enjoying life to the fullest.
“Gardening, kinesiology, Nia dance, and living in Raglan keep me young,” she says.
Pauline’s cute little garden is full of colour and boasts an impressive vegetable garden as well.
It’s a far cry from the Katikati avocado orchard she and her late husband owned; they supplied avocadoes to Raglan back in the 80s.
“It’s nice having a flat piece of land after working on three and a half hilly acres.”
Pauline moved to Raglan 12-years ago, after her husband died and she quickly set about getting her gardens ship shape; first in Cross St and now in Uenuku.
When you visit Pauline’s patch, be prepared for an educational experience; she’s an expert on worm farms and many other tricks of the gardening trade.
For the first time this year, the sustainable Community Garden behind the police station will be on display, with Whaingaroa Weedbusters and Backyard Trapping on hand to share their knowledge.
“There’s’ something for everyone, with gardeners sharing their knowledge as well as sharing their beautiful gardens,” society president Geoff Pownall says.
“The Garden Ramble shows off such a variety of gardens, from large open areas to hidden secret spots full of colour.”
Geoff says new members are welcome to join ted Raglan Horticultural Society on the third Tuesday of the month at 1pm at the Stewart St Church Hall.
Pick up your Garden Ramble guide at the Raglan Library, I-site, Raglan Community House, local shops and on the Raglan Horticultural Society Facebook page.
The list of gardens and artists:
Bruce and Sharyn Coull, 335D Te Hutewai Rd – park at the top of the road
Geoff and Lis Pownall, 28 Nihinihi Ave – plant sales
Pauline Abrahams, 4 Uenuku Ave
Catherine Houston garden and art, 153 Hills Rd – park by the cattle yards
Colleen and Tony Moore, 3 Puriri St with artist Dyana Wells
Tony and Penny Hibberd, 5C Waikowhai Pl with artist Shirley Pearson
Sue Mackwell, 78B Greenslade Rd – park at the top – with artists Stuart Shepherd and Claudia Grutke
Gus and Sue Kendall, 100E Greenslade Rd with photographer Richard Gemmell – park at the top
Jacqui and Rick Malpas, 106C Greenslade Rd with artist Julie Macdonald – park on road
Margaret Hayes, 118 Te Papatapu Rd, Te Mata – 1.2km beyond Bridal Veil Falls Rd
Community Garden, Wi Neera St – sustainable gardening with Whaingaroa Weedbusters and Backyard Trapping plus a children’s adventure and kūmara demonstration.
Some of the gardeners are collecting a koha to donate to a charity of their choice.
