Designfest is a Blooming Success

The Auckland Garden DesignFest has been deemed a roaring success, with a crowd turnout and breathtaking gardens like never before.

Taking place on the weekend of the 14 - 15 November, visitors were treated to an amazing array of gardens of all shapes and sizes across Auckland. Designers were on hand to discuss their inspiring designs.

Included in the lineup of talented designers were Trish Bartleet, Nigel Cameron, Trudy Crerar, Barbara Garrett, Joanna Hamilton, Phillip Millar, Bryan McDonald, Sue and Colin McLean, Tony Murrell, the design duo of Mark Read and Richard Neville, Murray Reid, Robin Shafer, Karen Wealleans and Xanthe White.

All designers were required to submit gardens which were then reviewed by a panel of experts from the Garden Design Society of New Zealand. All of these gardens had not previously been open to the public and many may not be again.

The festival was jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Newmarket and the Garden Design Society of New Zealand (GDSNZ), with this event being the third time the biennial charity event has taken place.

Proceeds from the festival will go to Ronald McDonald House, Garden to Table and children’s charities supported by the Rotary Club of Newmarket Charitable Trust, with the event raising a total of $60,000.

GDSNZ, Joint Chairperson, Rose Thodey, says; “This year’s turnout was the best we have ever seen! It was especially fantastic to see people of all ages turning up and being inspired by the wonderfully designed gardens. It was a very big undertaking but seeing the festival turn into such an unmitigated success and knowing those proceeds will go to some very deserving charities makes it all worthwhile in the end.”

Barry Thom and Grant Lynch, Owners, Unlimited Potential Real Estate, the Premier Sponsor of the event, were delighted to be a part of the DesignFest.
“We are very proud to be part of this festival and to be able to support these wonderful charities whilst showcasing the work of some of New Zealand’s finest garden design talent,” commented Grant and Barry.

Wayne Howett, CEO, Ronald McDonald House, says; “It was unbelievable to see the enthusiasm and excitement of the visitors over the weekend. As a charity partner who have been involved since it was founded in 2011, we continue to be grateful that we are a part of this wonderful event and for the support it enables us to provide to Kiwi families throughout their children’s medical journeys.”

For more information about the Auckland Garden DesignFest visit www.gardendesignfest.co.nz or follow them on Facebook.

ENDS

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