Taranaki Regional Council media release
For immediate release
3 December 2007

Good Progress at Tupare and Hollard Gardens

Christmas may be fast approaching but things are far from winding down at two of Taranaki’s iconic public gardens.

Refurbishment projects are in full swing at Tupare, on the outskirts of New Plymouth, and Hollard Gardens, near Kaponga on the southern flank of Mount Taranaki.

There are already many changes in evidence at the gardens, which are owned by the Taranaki Regional Council and are remaining open during the redevelopment.

The work at both properties was examined with interest by a recent VIP visitor, Dr Tom Elias, Director of the United States National Arboretum in Washington DC.

Dr Elias is particularly interested in the way public gardens have to develop to meet the needs of a changing community – a concept endorsed by Taranaki Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine.

“The enhancements at Tupare and Hollard Gardens, for example, are intended to maintain the integrity of their founders’ original vision, but at the same time offer visitors an insight into lifestyles and values in those years gone by,” says Mr Rine.

At Tupare, a new car park and gatehouse are almost complete, needing only a final asphalt seal and planting.

Down in the main part of the garden, the sunken lawn boasts stunning new brickwork and a newly planted herbaceous border.

The arts and crafts-style glasshouse is at last taking shape. When completed, it will offer an authentic insight into 1950s-style indoor plant displays.

Besides the usual seasonal garden tasks, Tupare staff will be busy from now on nurturing various new plants through their critical first year of establishment.

Contractors will finish work on the glasshouse, toilets and cottage in the New Year, when they will begin refurbishment work on the James Chapman-Taylor-designed house, as well as overall interpretative signage.

Staff are also busy at Hollard Gardens, which was again a popular destination during the Rhododendron Festival and has enjoyed a steady stream of visitors ever since.

The major work on a new events pavilion and gatehouse is due to start in the New Year. Work is well under way on upgrading the car park, which has now been resealed, and the replanting is almost complete.

Spring flowering has been good at both properties and the colour and variety will change again as summer approaches, offering new experiences to visitors.

The gardens are open from 9am to 5pm daily. Entry is free.

For more information see the "About Taranaki" section at www.trc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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