Stoney Hall
On the north-western outskirts of Carterton is the 20 year old garden of Ivy and David Burton. The garden is about half an acre and has evolved over time as Ivy developed it from the picture in her mind. The driveway became the ‘round garden’ and a ‘secret garden’ was added later as a reveal.
Ivy prefers whimsy over straight lines. However, you’ll find structure in the buxus hedges around the back of the house and framing the charming ‘bay tree garden’.
113 Parkers Road
West Taratahi
CARTERTON
Ivy’s gardening style is influenced by English style perennials. Expect to see plenty of colourful layers of perennial plantings – sedums, salvias, solidago along with several varieties of abutilon (Chinese lantern) repeating in different colours throughout. There are old-fashioned roses and David Austens, irises, camellias, rhododendrons – along with euphorbias and tall purple echiums.
Look out for peppermint and citrus-scented geraniums which are wonderful to touch. The leaves when rubbed in your fingers give off a wonderful perfume and their large felted leaves offer a multisensory garden experience.
As the name Stoney Hall suggests, the land is dotted with many stones – dug up and thrust up over the years from the nearby riverbed. David is well practised at unearthing these – sometimes heavy machinery is required.
Stoney Hall brings the birds (tuī, kererū, kōtare and bellbirds) and these are one of David and Ivy’s delights in the garden. Together they enjoy the changing seasons, slowing down and being in nature.
Ivy has been on every Pūkaha garden tour (yes – all 10!) and this year we are lucky she has agreed to share her own garden for a one-off opening to support our national wildlife centre.
Ivy is a knowledgeable plantswoman having grown many of her blooms from cuttings – bring cash for her propagated plant sales.
GALLERY
