A Garden

A Tranquil, Lush Garden
Since 1987 Ian and Marilyn Wightman have been developing a display garden on their two hectare property. It is still growing and expanding as new areas are incorporated into the overall garden design. The garden is the stock bed area which is used by the on site nursery to provide seeds and cuttings for plant production.

There are two genera plant collections also maintained within the garden. Ian holds the Plectranthus Collection and Marilyn holds the Artemisia Collection. These two collections are maintained in conjunction with The Herb Federation of New Zealand. The numerous shelter belts and hedges within the garden provide shade and shelter from the Manawatu winds. These also showcase the many hedging and shelter line plants available for purchase from the nursery.

The entrance to the garden is through the Camellia walk. Camellias grow well in this area and are a flowering feature of the garden from June until November. Containerised Camellia plants are a speciality feature of the nursery too. As well, many New Zealand native varieties and cultivars feature in the perimeter plantings of the garden.

The Fragrant Garden is open Saturday + Sunday or by arrangement and, being over one hectare in size, takes a minimum of 30 minutes to walk around and view in its entirety.

The main feature of the garden is its herbs. Included are rare and unusual varieties. Their scents and perfumes are the inspiration for the garden’s name. The garden is at its best for viewing in the springtime through to autumn, but there is year-round interest with a colourful camellia display in winter.

The garden is set out in a formal style with hedges dividing the areas. There is plenty of seating and all areas are flat with wide, low, clipped-grass walkways.

"Gardeners who visit our peaceful and pretty place leave with more than just plants"