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.

A Forgotten World Highway Gem with all year-round interest and colour. Rhododendron, Roses, Clematis and mature trees flourish. Paeonies, Hosta, Heuchera and Iris feature strongly amongst the many perennials that nestle in and around the beds of this ‘one level’ garden.

Opened in December 2001, the garden was established to preserve and honour the collection of old roses gathered over a lifetime by the celebrated rosarian Trevor Griffiths.

One of the oldest Botanic Gardens, Timaru will surprise you with the depth and excellence of its collections as diverse as Australian plants, conifers and rose species. A border containing the native plants of the Canterbury region is of special note. Endangered plants from around the world can be seen in part of the conservatory complex. A fern house is adjacent.

Thackwood Garden, comprising three acres, was given a new lease of life some 20 years ago. The house is built on a hill with commanding views of Tasman Bay and the garden has been extended down a step bank that has been terraced, planted and leads down to a large pond at the bottom of a flat paddock. Near the house the mood is gentle with an emphasis on fragrance and beauty.

From the elegant Feldwick Gates entrance off Gala Street, an avenue of English beech leads into the heart of this extensive park - all the major features can be explored from this impressive walkway.

Located right in the centre of town, Gore Public Gardens host the annual Rhododendron Festival in October that attracts many visitors to enjoy the spring colour and visit the aviary, another feature of the Gardens. The original plantings have been complemented with more exotic trees, shrubs and rare conifers. Tree peonies are a popular addition to the garden.

These beautiful gardens were started in the 1870s when two of the region’s oldest introduced trees were planted – the Sycamore and Oak, which are now protected. A native Kauri tree was also planted there in the 1960s and, in the decades since, the gardens have gradually evolved and been enhanced.

Longbush Cottage is A modern cottage garden located in beautiful central-Wairarapa, New Zealand. A sanctuary of serenity and a haven for all plant enthusiasts. Open by appointment, and hosting events throughout the year.

Just north of New Plymouth, John and Diana have transformed a 10 acre lifestyle block bound by the Waiongana River into a tranquil elegant working country garden. This has results in the property being voted as one of Taranaki’s most sought-after and unique wedding ceremony venues.

Perennial borders with camellias, rhododendrons and roses surround a large lawn. The garden is full of surprises which include aviaries, a native dell and a shade house. In 2005 the owners acquired an old Methodist church which they relocated to Openlands. Once renovated, and with the surrounding area attractively landscaped, it rapidly became a main feature of the gardens and now makes a perfect venue for weddings.

This former greywacke quarry has been transformed into an arboretum over the past 32 years. It provides the foundation for a unique art-in-nature concept throughout its 17.5 hectares where imaginations are inspired, creative exploration encouraged and mental and physical health nurtured. 

Gifted to the citizens of Whanganui, Bason Botanic Garden has been developed from bare farmland since 1966. Extensive roading allows the visitor to tour the garden without leaving their vehicle while tree plantings, widespread lawns and modern conservatories have added a completely new dimension.

Woodend Gardens are situated just five minutes north of Blenheim. A formal gateway and extensive curved driveway lined with blue agapanthus sets a stunning scene for the established gardens.

In late spring it has one of the best displays of Chatham Island forget-me-nots to be seen and at that time also features bearded iris, roses and rhododendrons. A pergola covered in wisteria and jackmanii clematis leads past an ample vegetable area to a wide lawn where a children's play house adds a whimsical note.

Established from a bare paddock in 1996, this is a half an acre garden to nourish the body and mind. Trees, shrubs and clipped forms - both native and exotic - give the garden a good sense of structure. Pathways guide and intersect the subtly separated garden rooms.

At the centre of Broadoak is a 2-acre formal wedding garden. Developed from a commercial peony paddock 6 years ago, the entire area is enclosed by a 3-metre-high wall of hedging between twenty brick pillars adorned by gargoyles giving the feel of a walled garden.

Bannerman Park dates from the 1870s but the little valley was full of gorse and broom until cleared in the 1960s. Extensive plantings of rhododendrons, conifers and silver birches were established at that time and 20 years later the creek beds were developed with bog plants. Since then herbaceous and woodland subjects have been added.

JJ took over the property in 2003. Then in a ruinous state, it has been a restorative challenge. Bordered by magnificent hedges, the majority of Brookfield’s gardens are contained within this structure, entered through a 100-year-old Weeping Elm straddling the driveway.

Pleasantly situated just across from the lake, this garden is unexpected in such a locality. A children's railway runs through one part and it also includes a much-used playground and Superloo. The lake side portion is devoted entirely to a well-chosen and well -cared for selection of native trees ornamented by stone sculptures. A long mixed border leads along the far perimeter where a fine selection of plant material can be seen. An excellent and quite large rose garden well-labelled and well-tended can be found on the other side of the museum building.