Pam and Peter describe their garden as a “green oasis” hidden from the street. The garden is set out on a 2000 sqm site with a large lawn which sets off the carefully planned garden.
 
The couple moved to Cambridge 11 years ago from Auckland and Peter recalls how they came to decide to buy the home. While spreading the daily newspaper out on the table to start catching up on the latest news, the Real Estate section literally fell onto the floor – and there – staring up at him from the front page was the property they immediately fell in love with.  Pam and Peter share their delight at having moved out of Auckland to this house and garden which suits their lifestyle and fits in with visits from children and grandchildren.
 
Much work was done in the early years to free up space throughout and let the light in – olive trees and a fishpond were removed, and the driveway garden was completely redesigned with new plantings.
 
On the day I visited, the birdlife was immediately obvious as I walked through the front gate with tuis perched high enjoying the nectar of the Taiwanese cherry tree. Piwakawaka, Californian quail and other native species abound throughout the expanse of the garden with food on offer in abundance. While occasionally choosing the letterbox - birds nest in the tree canopies particularly favouring the various species of flowering cherry (including weeping varieties).
 
Peter and Pam work tirelessly to keep the garden looking immaculate and beautiful – Peter takes care of the hedge trimming - Buxus, Photinia, and Corokia as well as a number of Teucrium that have been perfectly shaped giving an added dimension. Pam enjoys the symmetrical view from the conservatory which includes the Teucrium, Astelia and Dogwoods.
 
The extensive vegetable garden looked after by Pam is impressive with a number of boxed garden beds bursting with a large range of vegetables – including a lovely asparagus patch.  Along the back fence there are apple trees and grape vines.
 
With Pam at the helm and Peter “taking orders” they have already started preparing for the “big day” in November – giving the large trees a “haircut”, pruning, hedge trimming, and in the better weather will groom the lawn, sow and plant vegetables and further flowering varieties.
 
Peter gives many valuable hours in his work with the Tree Trust in Cambridge and it is obvious that they both are passionate about and dedicated to protecting the environment and their own garden of which they are very proud.
 
On the day of your Garden Festival visit you will enjoy this beautiful and expansive garden with its unique charm which has been developed with such care, passion and hard work.
 
Bev Maul-Rogers