A french red white and blue theme is expanding in the perrennial paddock. You’ll notice it as you walk down the wide steps flanked by 70 scarlet carpet roses (all started from single cuttings). The red sea leads you to the deep blue swathe of Ceanothus flowers and several Magnolia michelias standing tall with their bright white flowers.

A wedge-shaped formation of Japanese maples connects the upper and lower gardens. En masse, these marching maples are an unusual and unique sight in the Wairarapa. The rich reddy, golden foliage deepens almost daily in spring time.

They will be shining in all their glory on tour weekend, along with the graceful fern-like foliage of  Mary’s favourite tree – the Ginkgo or maidenhair tree.

Another stand out feature is Mary’s 90 metre long arctotis (African daisy) bund. Designed to lift the prevailing wind up and over her delicate dahlias and roses, the arctotis bund offers a riot of bold colour when it flowers in September and November.

A mini bushwalk through Bruce’s expanded native garden, and a productive vege garden in raised beds provide further places to explore.

Tikara Country Gardens now hosts private garden tour groups. For 7 & 8 November, entry is exclusively for Pūkaha garden tour ticket holders. 

Cash sales of Mary’s plants for sale and refreshments available. BYO picnics welcome.