Regional Gardens Project Gathers Pace
Regional Gardens Project Gathers Pace
A $2 million rejuvenation project is gathering pace at two iconic regional gardens in Taranaki.
The 3.6ha Tupare, in New Plymouth, and 4.5ha Hollard Gardens, near Kaponga, are getting modern-day makeovers carefully devised in keeping with the vision of their original owners, the gardening and landscaping pioneers Sir Russell and Lady Mathews (Tupare) and Bernie and Rose Hollard.
The project is being carried out by the Taranaki Regional Council, which took over stewardship of the gardens from the QEII National Trust in 2002.
At Tupare, which is known as an arts and crafts-style garden, siteworks have begun at a new location for the gatehouse and for new paths on the entrance lawn.
Extensive plantings have already been completed, with their full effect to be apparent in future months.
At Hollards, which is widely regarded as a plant collector’s haven, sites are being prepared for a planned new events pavilion and gatehouse, and extensive pruning and shaping of plants has taken place.
Completion of the projects due in phases through the summer and into autumn.
The gardens remain open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week. Entry is free.
ENDS