The Gardens

Garden of Pam and Andrew Peters.  

Balquhidder Garden (origins from the Clan Valley in Scotland) began it's creation when the Peters bought the farm 33 years ago.

This rambling country garden took shape from the bare front paddock. It features the natural hill country contour, volcanic rocks (that broke a carry tray or two) river stone and loads of cuttings.

A peaceful park setting integrates a bit of everything. A native walk, a busy perennial bank, a rocky water feature, mature trees, leafy undergrowth, lots of roses and a Fort Knox vegetable garden.You may even hear the skirl of distant bagpipes!

An optional extra is a lookout over part of the farm highlighting the environmental plantings to protect waterways and reduce erosion, an extension of their love for the environment. In 2021 the Peters won the Deer Farmers LandCare Trust Environment award (see extras below).

Come and enjoy this peaceful haven created by the love of gardening.

Garden of Charlotte and Anthony Oswald.

This property has been transformed in the last 10 years from just a few established trees into an abundance of

flower beds and "secret" pathways. 

Although close to town, clever planting and screening has hidden the majority

of the buildings to capture a view of the surrounding farmland and ranges. 

The century old villa takes centre

stage, wrapped in wisteria and softened with roses, lavender and buxus. 

The freshly instated glasshouse and

kitchen garden provide nourishment and sustainability.

Garden of Bronwyn and Gordon Stratton. 

It was Bronwyn’s mother-in-law Mary who initially fostered her interest in gardening

and whenever visiting Mary’s, would inevitably leave with a boot full of cuttings and plants.

Moving to the Kawhatau Valley nearly 14 years ago, the garden inherited had

obviously been well loved in its time but was in need of an extensive makeover to

allow the views of Mount Ruapehu, the Ruahine Rangers and the picturesque Valley

to be enjoyed and so in came the digger and out came the chainsaw! The only trees

left standing were a mature willow a small kowhai and a collection of camellias.

The garden evolved from here with a rather large collection of roses, shrubs, young

trees and special cuttings from family and friends sitting in a paddock waiting to be

transplanted. After moving houses and gardens several times, the plants have

thrived with finally getting the opportunity to get their roots into the ground. The

garden is a love of flowers, fresh air and thinking time.

Garden of Gorden Collier. 

After selling his property in Five Mile Bay, Taupo, renowned gardener and plantsman Gordon Collier has

returned to his roots in Taihape. In 2020 he undertook a complete renovation of his new home and the over

grown section. A few mature trees including a large walnut tree at the rear of the section assisted Gordon

when he began planting in September 2020.  The front garden is modern, gravel replacing lawn, while the rear

is a traditional woodland style garden.  Gordon has propagated many of the plants himself, including

hydrangeas which grow exceptionally well in Taihapes rich, volcanic soil.

Garden of Brook O'Donnell.  

Brook took over Villa O’Riley in 2015. Fresh from completing a degree in Landscape Architecture, he quickly set about applying his new-found knowledge and skill.  The entire section was levelled and a blank canvas was formed.

The design of the garden is formal yet fluid. Topiaries, hedges and urns feature strongly adding structure to the garden. 

The garden featured in the September 2023 issue of the

NZ Gardener magazine and then on to feature in their 2024 calendar for the month of July. Now eight years on from its inception the garden is beginning to come into maturity.

Garden of Meredith and Andrew Carpenter.

This garden was established by early settlers, the Studholme family in 1873.  The large redwood and

lawson cyprus on the front lawn, were brought in by bullock wagon.  The macrocarpa rondel, nearby was

planted around the same time and requires a biannual trim to maintain its shape. 

This fabulous garden features a large pond beautifully nestled amongst Cornus sericea Kelseyi and Iris

pseudacorus.  Enjoy meandering along the garden's newest addition - a wooden boardwalk built by local

builder Chris Harris.

  Ruanui Station featured in Life and Leisure April 2022 and Country Calendar July 2022.

Meredith will be selling her luxurious, lamb’s wool blankets and throws from her garden on 17th of November.  For more information visit: www.ruanuistation.co.nz

Garden of Amanda and Rob Collier

An oak tree avenue welcomes you as you arrive at Ngata, a beautiful Alfred Buxton designed garden set on

three acres, with stunning views over the Hiwera Valley to the south. Ngata was Amandas childhood home where she and Rob returned to in 1996 to take over the farm that has been in the family for over 100 years.

The garden features old English trees, a stunning 

double perennial border and a sunken brick garden, featuring different shades of green topiary and catmint.

Recently fetured in NZ Life and Leisure Magazine