95 Clover Road, Hope,
Nelson, New Zealand
Open l0am - dusk
Entry $5 - Children Free
Groups by arrangement
Ph 542 3736
Fax 542 3036
Geoff & Gillian Etherington
This garden was once flat orchard. We wanted to get away from orcharding and wondered what to do with the land. A World Garden became the dream, so with the help of a landscape architect this idea came into being.
In 1989 the area was in apples. We took the crop off, cut the trees down and out, brought in some heavy machinery, and the experts to use it and shaped the land.
The first plantings were trees in 1990.
Planting has continued as species and labour have been available.
Most areas are nearly complete.
The stream and lake have been completed and water circulates, being pumped into the top rockery and flow back to the lake. A Water Garden is planned, with fountains, near Patons Road. The Rose Pergola is up - the roses are planted as is the herb garden. An herbaceous garden is started with a conservatory still to come.There is an area where outdoor weddings can be held and an amphitheatre by the pond for concerts, plays etc.
The garden in time will have five different functions:CONSERVATION - of our land and plants. Trees to protect our environment, and plants can be preserved here.
EDUCATIONAL - the plantings are in various groupings - mainly geographic. People can see where different plants come from.
RECREATIONAL - we hope this will be a place of pleasure and for folk to recharge their batteries.
A TOURIST ATTRACTION - we hope folk will come to Nelson and see this, as a dream coming true.
WEDDINGS or other functions - a wonderful outdoor venue.
There is still a lot of work to be done - we enjoy the process.
We hope you will enjoy your visit.
http://www.nzero.co.nz/treecrop/conf98/gardens.htm