Hollard Gardens
★★★★★
Hollard Gardens are informal and very intimate in nature. The property is a plant collector’s dream and displays a huge variety of plants both native and exotic. The gardens continue Bernie Hollard’s legacy of collection, plant innovation, sustainability and dissemination. Enjoy the maturity, richness and intimacy of the Old Garden, established in 1927. Then by contrast, appreciate the openness and diversity of the New Garden, established in 1981. On your way through the garden, you will appreciate the stories of the garden, the people and the history of the farming district.
The beauty of the ornamental garden as it changes through the seasons is a real pleasure. Rhododendrons and camellias were some of Bernie’s favourite plants and there is a strong representation of both species and hybrids throughout the garden – including R. Kaponga - one of the plants Bernie Hollard bred and for which he is best known. The Swamp in the Old Garden is perhaps the most dramatic and colourful area during Spring and is noted for its vibrancy. In autumn the deciduous trees provide a bright display. Year-round, the garden is alive with the sound of insects and birds feeding on the diversity of seasonal flowers and seed.
Bernie’s Home Garden contains vegetable beds, poultry, bees, worm farms and a food forest. Various fruit and vegetable growing methods are demonstrated so it’s an inspirational venue for garden workshops. These are held in Bernie’s Shed, an education space, or the Hollard Centre, which is a popular venue for events. There’s also a family corner, which includes a fun children’s playground as well as two free barbecue areas.
Hollard Gardens runs a popular programme of public events throughout the year which includes music and workshops on both the ornamental garden and Bernie’s Home Garden. Owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council, the garden is open all day, every day and entry is free.
Facilities and Amenities
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Brochures/Map available
Children Welcome
Free bbq
Kitchenette can be opened by prior arrangement
Hollard Gardens runs a popular programme of public events throughout the year which includes music and workshops on both the ornamental garden and Bernie’s Home Garden.
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Open all day, every day with free entry
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From New Plymouth
Take SH3 south out of New Plymouth for 38km.
Turn right on to Monmouth Road for 4.3km Continue on to Cardiff Road for 4.4km.
Turn right on to Opunake Road.
Turn left on to Manaia Road.
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Physical Address: 1686 Upper Manaia Rd, Kaponga RD29
Phone: 0800 736 222
Email: info@trc.govt.nz
Website: http://www.hollardgardens.nz
