Greenhaugh Gardens
★★★★★★
Greenhaugh Gardens surround a colonial homestead built in 1874. Mature trees give the two-hectare property its bones, and a summer house allows the garden versatility. Box-hedges curb the romantic exuberance of Austin and old roses, perennials and self-seeding annuals whilst a central French fountain adds a soundscape of natural music. A pergola, clad with wisteria, rambling roses and clematis leads through a tapestry of bearded iris and from there the garden visitor is naturally led to the ‘creek bed’ and Mediterranean gardens beyond. There is a hint of an African theme in parts - a nod to the owner’s love of travel, and the garden holds a balance of structure and creativity.
Sculpture and whimsical animals play a part, added with an artistry that is subtle and surprising. Ponds are a feature, with gently playing fountains and naturalised planting – wooden bridges guide you to new vistas and seats invite you to sit a while and notice the layered planting. Beyond this lies the tree area that entices the visitor to be held in its calm. The summer house, named the Giraffe House, was built with visitors in mind, creating a sanctuary where you can rest and gather at the top of the garden. Roses again, soften the view with drifts of flouncy irises. Terraces of bulbs and perennials change with the seasons. Greenhaugh begs for repeat visits, late winter puts on a show of snowdrops while spring bursts open with daffodils, hellebores, primula, crocus, and blue bells. Summer is when the hot colours shout out and the Giraffe House welcomes with shade. Autumn is rich and russet – the blood lilies are not to be missed. In the protection of the house there is a vibrant and tropical spread where canna and crinum tower. Down red brick steps and over an arched black bridge the visitor is welcomed to walk into the past – a totara shelter houses taonga (treasure) – including remnants from the once bustling Cobb & Co Coaching stables.
There are many places to picnic, with farmland and windmills in the distance as your backdrop, and the plant nursery is the last delight. This holds an array of useful landscaping plants that sit beside the more unusual. At Greenhaugh gardens there is a passion for growing endemic seeds from exotic places that often take some creative ingenuity to get them started. The gardens continue the legacy of Ron Busch’s Irwell irises by holding this heritage collection and in the nursery they are often for sale. Greenhaugh Gardens has a 40-year history which has encompassed hard work by passionate gardeners with unique talents fuelled by cake and cups of tea.
Facilities and Amenities
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Children welcome.
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Open 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.
Weekends and Public Holidays by arrangement.
Appointments required for buses and large groups.
Adults & seniors $10
Children free
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From The Square in Palmerston North
Head northwest taking the second exit from the roundabout on to main Street (SH3).
Continue on SH3 for about 7km and Greenhaugh Gardens will be on your right.
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Physical Address: 914 Napier Road, Palmerston North
Phone: 027 387 0357
Email: lynne@greenhaugh.co.nz
Website: http://greenhaugh.co.nz
