The Urban Jungle
★★★★★
This garden began as a blank canvas in 1995. Initially, the plantings were very traditional and drew from temperate plant material. With time, and an understanding of the local microclimate, planting shifted to the subtropical and tropical. A desire to maximise privacy for the property led to the installation of a lush, jungle environment with plantings on several levels. Planting includes many palm varieties which form an overhead canopy, a variety of air plants on the trunks of the palms and lush and colourful layers of shrubs and ground cover. The garden and house connect almost seamlessly, with the garden extending into the house and vice versa.
Enhancing and preserving soil quality has been achieved by utilising organic matter along with strategic planting aimed at conserving water and eliminating weeds. Chemical use is limited, and birds returning to the city are a feature. Public berm areas adjacent to the house are planted in a similar fashion extending the green space into the street and down to nearby parks and reserves.
This garden features extensive landscaping of surrounding public spaces as part of Auckland's Greenways initiative.
Facilities and Amenities
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Tour guide available.
Morning and afternoon teas and lunch are available if booked in advance.
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The garden may be seen by appointment with advance notice all year round.
Entry: $10 per person
Unfortunately, due to the small size of the property, we must limit groups to 25 and we cannot accommodate dogs or children for the same reason. Please wear footgear with good tread as the paths can be slippery in wet weather.
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Coming from the South (SH 1 and SH 20), at Union Street turn left into Union Street and then take the first left on to the Wellington Street bridge.
Coming from the North, take the Cook Street exit and follow the signs to Union Street, then turn right at the traffic light on to the Wellington Street bridge.
Continue through the first set of lights and at the second set of lights turn left into Hepburn Street.
At the first intersection turn left into Beresford Street West and number 94 is the first house in the street on the right.
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Physical Address: 94 Beresford Street West, Freeman's Bay
Phone: 027 906 8281 or (09) 378 7852
Email: mvkozaus@gmail.com
