Spring is here, daffodils are pushing through the ground and there are fresh green shoots on the trees. One of the best ways to welcome the better weather is to visit some of the region’s private gardens, open to visitors for a small fee. There’s plenty to inspire even if you haven’t got green fingers. And it’s worth knowing that most of the gardens listed here are available for hire as wedding venues.

Assisi
You can take in sweeping views all the way to the Tararuas from this hillside garden on a spectacular site near Gladstone. A large pond, witty sculptures and plantings of native grasses, shrubs and trees give this garden its character. Every year owners Cec and Andrew Buchanan put in new mass plantings of colourful plants such as red hot poker or echium so the garden is constantly changing. Open: all year from 8.30am. Ph: 06 372 7661 to book, www.assisigardens.co.nz.

Awaiti
The gardens here on the outskirts of Carterton have the feel of a traditional English country garden. There is an appealing mix of formal areas (the pond is a highlight) herbaceous borders, a rose garden and a large number of deciduous trees. Created by the Gates family over almost 30 years, it’s been a popular venue for weddings. Facilities include a gift shop and tea rooms. Open: 1 Sept-31 May, Tues-Sun 10am-4pm. Chester Road, Carterton. Group and individual visits welcome.
Ph: 06 379 8478. www.awaitigardens.co.nz

Daysh House Garden
This two-hectare garden provides the backdrop for one of the Wairarapa’s historic houses – Daysh House was one of Carterton’s original dairy farms. Now the garden is given over to old and new native and deciduous trees. One of the highlights is the large lake that attracts abundant birdlife. Colour from the spring flowers continues well through the summer when the beds of perennials and roses come into bloom. You need to book ahead to visit, and if you bring lunch or afternoon tea, there’s plenty of room to picnic on the lawns.
Open: From September to April. Ph: 06-379 5690,
www.bill-edginton.co.nz

Dursley
A country garden at Bideford, north east of Masterton, featuring trees that date back to 1916 when the garden was designed by Alfred Buxton. Spring flowers form a thick carpet under the old trees and you can follow pathways though the azaleas and rhododendrons towards fine views of rolling hills. In summer, mass plantings of a huge variety of lilies are a feature of the garden, in autumn there are cyclamen under the trees.
Open: daily. $5 per adult, groups are welcome. Ph: 06 372 4804,
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Hauiti Lavender
Hauiti Lavender Farm was planted in 1998 and lavender oil from the plants has been available since the first cut when the plants were three months from planting. Products are 100% New Zealand and may be used in many ways including aromatherapy and other aromatics use. Walk among the rows of purple flowers and enjoy the heady perfume. Owners Richard and Dinah Airey are happy to explain the process of lavender oil production. Entry Free.
PH: (06) 3069921 E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.lavendershop.com

Kahikatea Gardens
Give yourself at least an hour to explore this rambling five-acre garden in Greytown. Daffodils and rhododendrons are in bloom in springtime, roses and flowering shrubs come into their own in summer. Children love it here partly because there are friendly animals to visit. Wander up the end of a garden path and you’ll find an alpaca, donkey, goat and other farm animals. Open from end of October through to autumn by appointment to groups, also for weddings and civil unions. Ph: 06 304 9461, Mob: 021 509461, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Richmond
A masterpiece of the topiarist’s art just outside Carterton, Richmond has made it onto the world map of great gardens with recognition as A New Zealand Garden of International Significance. There are no flowers here, the garden makes its impact from patterns of boxwood, plus European beech, hornbeam and linden limes. It has the feel of a classic Italian garden but with whimsical touches such as frolicking teddy bears and a plucky little group of buxus chickens. Ph: 06 379 8867. www.boxwood.co.nz

Waieka
When visitors from Wellington stop at Bruce and Joy Cole’s 1.5 acre garden in Eketahuna, one of the first things they say is how peaceful it is. Joy describes it as a rambling cottage garden that started small and grew bigger. Rhododendrons, perennials and well-established trees are a feature. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the lawn but care should be taken with young children as there are ornamental ponds. 71 Stanly St, Eketahuna, Ph: 06 375 8136
Open: during the months of Daylight Saving

Gourmet Garden Escape
Both Richmond and Assisi Gardens are part of Tranzit’s Gourmet Garden Escape, which includes transport to both gardens by bus, lunch at a local restaurant and winetasting are included.
Ph: 0800 471 227, www.tranzit.co.nz

For updates on gardens open to the public,
see www.wairarapanz.com or phone 06 370 0900.