Paloma Gardens
★★★★★
The garden commenced in 1990 but is maturing rapidly due to the mild, almost frost-free climate. The Higgies have specialized in exotic flora to produce a landscape like no other in New Zealand. From the first dramatic view of the amphitheatre with its banks clothed with a huge variety of plants ranging from the familiar to the curious and unusual, the visitor will be enthralled. Palms, cycads, bamboos and trees - from the Pacific, Asia, and Africa, all have their allotted space while an entire hillside is devoted to an assemblage of Aloe, Agave, Yucca, cacti and succulents.
A large pond in the centre of the garden is crossed by an arched bridge and doubles as the family swimming pool. An older area surrounds the house where there are maturing specimens of palms, cycads and tree ferns. Large plants of Aloe bainesii and A. polyphylla can be found here. A short distance away the Cycad House provides shelter for a range of interesting dry climate plants - Dioon, Pachypodium and the strange climbing Dioscorea and the like. Close by the car park shows an extensive collection of bamboo in large containers. There is a sizeable arboretum planted on the surrounding farmland.
Facilities and Amenities
-
Moto 71 - Paloma has an interesting collection of 45 classic motorbikes which is also open to visit.
Children Welcome
-
Open daily
Entry $10
Guided tours available for an extra fee
-
From Whanganui Central
Take Dublin Street over the river to SH4/Anzac Parade.
Take the 3rd exit on to SH4 After 1.7km.
Turn left on to Portal Street Continue on the Number 2 Line for 12km Continue on to Kauangaroa Road Turn left in to Denlair Road Turn right in to Pohutukawa Lane.
-
Physical Address: Pohutukawa Ln, Fordell
Phone: 06 3427857
Email: paloma@paloma.co.nz
Website: http://paloma.co.nz
