Trotts Garden (Private)
Designed from bare ground by the original owner Alan Trott, the garden is now run by the The Trott's Charitable Trust and is working towards becoming a community garden.
Approached through a well-displayed and interesting nursery, this flat and well proportioned garden covers seven acres clothed by rare and beautiful trees. Betula, magnolia, English beech and cornus are among some that act as a mantle for under plantings of rhododendron, perennials and many unusual plants. The way leads through a Lime Walk to the Red Garden which is bordered by Berberis 'Little Favourite', the colour scheme highlighted by groups of Berberis 'Hellmond's Pillar' and Sambucus 'Guincho Purple'. A rose walk leading on to a large reflecting pool well-planted with gunnera and many varieties of hosta, is sheltered on one side by silver birches.
Sweeping lawns lead to a Lookout Tower which surveys a bog and water garden luxuriantly planted with hosta, primula, water-loving iris and other plants. Also seen from this vantage point is a smaller Knot Garden alongside an elegant stand of Betula utilis 'Silver Shadow'. Two parallel rooms lead from here down the garden to a Chapel, one through two large and intricate Knot Gardens copied from an old English garden, the other down a long herbaceous border. This area is divided into a series of smaller gardens, by well-maintained and buttressed Cupressus macrocarpa hedging.
Morning and afternoon teas and lunches are available upon request. Nestled in the formal garden is a delightful chapel built in 1916 which was moved to the property in 1999. The chapel features superb native timber and much of the original furnishings. It is available for weddings, memorial services and family reunions. An adjacent marquee lawn caters for large weddings and formal occasions.
Alan Trott was awarded The Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for Horticulture in the 2017 New Year Queen's Honours list.
Opening Hours and Tariffs
The garden is open from September to May, 7 days a week, 9am - 4pm
Entry is $5 per adult. Free entry for children under 12.
Can accommodate large groups (bookings essential)
Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 371 Racecourse Road, 6 R.D., Ashburton
Phone: 0210 283 2123
Email: info@trotts.co.nz
Website: http://trotts.co.nz
Facilities and Amenities
Children Welcome
Conference Facilities
Product Sales
From Pasture to Paradise - The story of Trotts Garden
Paradise Through The Seasons - A Year in the Life of Trotts Garden
Photographs and text by Alan Trott. Available on line through the Trotts Garden website.
