Hello garden friend,

The daffs coming up in my garden combined, with the plum blossom have got my blood pumping for spring! It’s been such a sodden winter I am only completing my garden cut back now and preparing battle on slugs!

I am thrilled to share that I am part of two (maybe three!) fantastic garden events this Spring.

See all below - hope to see you there!

Ju xo

BOTANICAL EXPO
17th September 1-5 pm / 18th September 10-4 pm
Lincoln Events Centre

The New Zealand Alpine Garden Society, South Island Daffodil Society and the Combined Canterbury Floral Art Groups join forces for an extravaganza!

Head out to enjoy not only the displays but rare plant sales and workshops!

I’m honoured to be the Keynote Speaker at this year’s event where I will be sharing the story of my pathway to gardening.

From zero interest to a new life and work entirely inspired by what I have grown in my own backyard.

New gardeners and experienced gardeners will find this relatable.
I tend to be a candid speaker and offer laughs along the way!

Saturday 17th September
2.15 pm - 3 pm
$10

HURUNUI GARDEN FESTIVAL
27th - 30th October

This is my favourite garden festival given it roams my childhood region.
An EXCELLENT 4 day event with a very accessible self-drive format.
Each garden is entered for just $10 per person - no booking required.

Explore the website for the gardens, homesteads and artist studio’s to be explored.

Also - don’t miss the opportunity to dine and listen to the fabulous Lynda Hallinan at the Hanmer Springs Hotel!

Alllsssoooo - I will be showing a selection of my artwork as part of Flaxmere gardens annual art show that coincides with the festival. There will be lots of wonderful artists involved, exhibiting in Flaxmere’s beautiful converted woolshed.

STUDIO HOME SESSIONS
with Hurunui Garden Festival

I am very pleased to say that I am continuing last year’s format of hosted guided garden walks with three extremely knowledgeable garden gurus.
Working with me, the gardeners will concentrate on a casual walking tour, open Q+A and demonstrations focused on knowledge beneficial to those starting out and experienced gardeners interested in learning more about growing in the Canterbury environment.

EACH SESSION IS FREE TO ATTEND ON $10 ENTRY TO THE GARDEN.
At the entrance you will be given a meeting point for the 11 am start.
No advance booking required.

11.00am Friday 28th October – Jenny Cooper ‘The Blue House’
(page 12 of guidebook)

“Creating a vibrant and beautiful dry garden”
After much experimentation and research, Jenny has created a stunning, seasonal garden in Amberley’s harsh conditions. Motivated to design sustainable garden beds that require no additional watering support, Jenny will guide us through her methods of bed preparation and plant selection.
This will be an invaluable session with techniques not commonly practiced in New Zealand, resulting in resilient, dry-loving but beautiful plantings.

Learn more about The Blue House here.

11.00am Saturday 29th October – Penny Zino ‘Flaxmere Garden’
(page 31 of guidebook)

“How to plan and make a naturalistic garden”
Inspired by her workshop with Piet Oudolf, the international forerunner of The New Perennial Movement, Penny turned a leaf in her gardening career of 56 years to experiment with this fresh take on planting.
Explore the naturalistic style beds of mixed perennials and grasses in their springtime form, learning the realities and techniques of this planting concept in New Zealand conditions.

Learn more about Flaxmere Garden here.

11.00am Sunday 30th October – Doreen Dryden of ‘Loch Leven’
(page 51 of guidebook)

“How to propagate to replenish your garden”‘
Loch Leven’ is a fascinating garden in the Amuri Basin demonstrating creative plant combinations, hard landscaping, and a gorgeous spring display. With the growth of her passion, Doreen has also created her own productive nursery supplying top garden centres in Canterbury.
Learning to be resourceful in the creation of her outside spaces, she has an immense amount of knowledge to share with us on techniques to propagate all sorts of plants to further fuel the beauty of the garden she has created.

Learn more about Loch Leven here.

HOMEGROWN GARDEN TOUR
Saturday 5th November

A self guided tour of four private gardens, in the spring time when there is an abundance of colour and splendour to be enjoyed.

Mayfield Playcentre proudly presents its biennial Homegrown Garden Tour in 2022, on Saturday 5th November. Visit four gorgeous gardens soon to be announced, be entertained, enjoy great food and beverage and much more in beautiful surroundings!

Buy tickets below for $25 to access 4 beautiful local gardens not normally open to the public. Gate sales on the day are $30.

Scattered under the trees at ‘Amberside’ you will also find stalls with all sorts of goods and art …hopefully including my own! I am just working frantically to get enough ready.

The Facebook page is just getting updated now but tickets can be purchased below.