Details of this garden New Zealand > Waikato > Ngaruawahia Features: Bridges ,  Broom ,  Cabbage tree ,  Coprosma ,  Daisy bush ,  Dracophyllum ,  Five finger ,  Fuchsia or Kotukutuku ,  Kahikatea or White Pine ,  Kapuka or Broadleaf ,  Karaka ,  Karamu ,  Kauri ,  Kawakawa ,  Kohekohe ,  Kowhai ,  Lacebark ,  Lancewood or Horoeka ,  Mahoe or Whiteywood,  Maire ,  Mapou or Red Matipo ,  Matai or Black Pine ,  Mingimingi ,  Miro ,  Mountain totara ,  Nikau ,  Olearia ,  Orchids ,  Pate or Seven Finger ,  Pig ,  Pohutukawa ,  Putaputaweta ,  Rangiora/Bushman's friend ,  Rewarewa or New Zealand honeysuckle ,  Ribbonwood or Manatu ,  Rimu ,  Rock ponds ,  Sheep,  Southern rata ,  Tanekaha ,  Tawa ,  Titoki ,  Toatoa ,  Totara ,  Tree daisy ,  White Rata ,  Wineberry or Makomako * Click the links to view other gardens with these features.

Approximate size: 8000 m2
Garden description: Our garden was started over 25 years ago as we were completing the building of our house. The land was previously part of a quarry with poor soil, wet areas, rocks everywhere and regenerating native bush. We have made use of the wet areas, rocks and regenerating native bush, growing on seedlings from native plants nearby. As a principle we have found the best plants for each area rather than try to modify the area for the plants. We have used taller shrubs and trees, understory shrubs and ground ferns, so that there is little opportunity for weeds to establish. Choosing a wide range of local species means that we don't have to spray for pests and that results in prolific bird and insect life. Many of our shrubs are now naturally regenerating and new species are establishing, brought in by the tuis and kereru. Our native plants are ecosourced so that we are contributing to maintaining healthy populations of the local species. We have used a few carefully chosen exotic species, to add interest, but they are carefully chosen to require minimal maintenance and pose no risk of invading the surrounding bush. It has taken time to do it this way but the garden is restful, secluded and spacious and best of all requires little maintenance.