La Dolce Vita
This park-like garden will transport you to a fairy-like playland with its soft curved walkways under huge canopies, undergrowth of annuals, sprint bulbs, shrubbery and something new to spot at every glance.
From the manicured box hedges with the white iceberg roses underplanted with begonias in the open space of the driveway, right through to the succulent-covered trailer in the back, there are plenty of hidden pots, sculptures, shapes, patterns and textures to catch the eye.
41 Andrew Street
Kuripuni
La Dolce Vita means “the sweet life”. And oh, what a sweet life this large semi-rural garden on the outskirts of Masterton (it’s hard to believe it is only a stone’s throw away from the bustling town centre) provides for Ross and Ruth Eggers and their extended family. With her own children grown, the grandchildren now delight in playing on the grounds, picking fruit from the orchard and bunches of flowers in season to decorate the house.
You’ll find a diverse mix of flowers, trees and shrubs in the garden, including stunning tree azaleas and a tree dahlia, camellias, rhododendrons, poppies, peonies, hydrangeas, fragrant roses and wisteria covering the pergola near the house. When the white wisteria is in flower it looks magical particularly as the petals fall like snowflakes.
Towards the back of the house you’ll find the productive garden – a small orchard and tunnel house. The outlook to the eastern hills reminded Ruth of Tuscany. She has planted drought-tolerant manukas to complement the vista.
To round off your visit, be sure to look for the duck pond, with resident and visiting ducks enjoying their island sanctuary.
GALLERY
