Author: Michele Hickman
Random House New Zealand - RRP: $49.99
Reviewed by Dawn Forbes
The author is a New Zealand gardening writer and
designer currently based in England
and the photographs are by UK
garden photographer Steven Wooster taken while visiting New Zealand on
several occasions.
The selection of
gardens is based on his photographic portfolio so not to be taken as the best,
or biggest, or most accessible. Some
very good gardens have not been included because of bad weather, light or
conditions prevailing at the time of his visit.
All included are members of The New Zealand Gardens Trust
(NZGT) and at the back of the book is a list of all properties within their
membership and website details of “other gardens to visit” so if your favourite
is not included in the book, or none are within your geographic range, you can
visit others online…and I am sure you will want to after reading through the
book.
It is not only the photographs that are appealing but the
details within the text. The history of
the land and garden, the choice of plants and trees, the aim and energy of the
owners and their willingness to welcome all gardeners to come and enjoy their
peaceful space.
The selected
properties start in the north with historic Butler Point, named after
early-settler William Butler who built there in 1847 (the old homestead is
still inhabited) and ends up south of Larnach Castle with many public gardens
included on the way.
All are open for public visits, some by appointment, some
daily or seasonal, some are free and some are not but the specific details are
included in each chapter of the book or on the NZGT website.
Fifty detailed gardens which are all very different in
style, colour and size. If you can’t
drive to them, be content with the book.....you won’t smell the roses, but it
will be very satisfying just the same.
Footnote:
Dawn Forbes is an Auckland
reader and occasional reviewer of gardening books on this blog..
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