Paradise with a view

Hosts: Dorothy & John Geen

Address: 19 Coleridge Street, Hanmer Springs

After 20 years we are reaping the benefits of our hard work, in this secluded tranquil garden. It is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains, and combines formal and informal design, with a mix of exotic, native, flowering and foliage plants. All complemented with pots full of treasures and garden art.

Much thought is given to choosing plants which thrive in our extreme climate. We also know the importance of creating year-round interest – from the spring explosion of colour, the beauty of a breeze moving the tussocks, spectacular autumn foliage, and the view of the frozen world of ice crystals as the sun comes up in winter.

This is also a garden rich in detail, with plenty of tucked away treasures, with kowhai dripping with flowers and full of bellbirds and tui having breakfast – making it hard to leave and head out to work!

As the garden matures, changes happen as plants outgrow the space or fail to thrive, they are removed or limbed up to provide a new planting area. Those who have been before will see changes as the garden evolves and we hope you can go home with new ideas for your own piece of paradise. Enjoy!