May 2016 VOLUME 65 NO.2

Mid-Day WINTER DINNER NEWSLETTER Saturday 25 June Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust Inc. See pg4

www.pukeiti.org.nz

vistas, framed by the forest [conserved and from many, it is regenerated] of the outstanding display of certainly worthy rhododendrons. of the title ‘An of At Eastwoodhill the 3500 different species of Distinguished were in autumn’s colourful garb, perhaps Merit’ given by not as bright as other years for the summer the International had been less dry and frosty mornings had not arrived – but still amazing. The highlight was Society in 1978, the sound of the groups’ feet crunching through and being the carpet of fallen leaves often made more recognised by the Firmania simplex at Gwavas brightly coloured by the shafts of light filtering through the now tall - the bones of the NZ Garden Trust as a Garden of National Arboretum. The tallest is a group of gum-trees Significance in 2007.The planting still PUKEITI (Eucalyptus regans) 60 meters in height, which continues. In a special commemorative are among the tallest trees in the world. From ceremony recently representatives of the AUTUMN a distance their rounded feathery crowns IDS planted a Wollemi Pine to mark the contrasted with the pointed and solid 100th birthday of Bob Berry, who was the TRIP TO THE evergreen conifers - redwoods, oregons, cedars, first to catalogue the vast collection at spruce and cypress, laced with colourful Eastwoodhill. Bob of course established EAST COAST splashes of red, orange, yellow and antique Hackfalls Arboretum and along with Lady coral and browns of poplars, gingko, liquid Anne who developed the house garden on ambers and scarlet , among many others. the property, recently formed a Trust to wenty-one Pukeiti members, led by maintain that garden in the future. Both THeather Robson, Chair of the Members’ At their feet, poking through the carpet of now live in Gisborne and are highly Committee, departed New Plymouth in the leaves, here and there, were the pink flowers respected members of the IDS. Bob Berry of the ivy-leafed Cyclamen hederifolium early morning sun at 7am on a beautiful was awarded a Veitch Memorial Medal for obviously thriving, and in the Homestead his contribution to horticulture by the Royal autumn morning of May 02. The sun Garden, borders of the white nerine. Horticultural Society in 2015. shone for the whole trip on the East Coast A drive around the 135 hectare property on - it only clouded up on the way home. The tour group had visited Hackfalls on the the jeep and trailer for some of the group, and previous day after driving from Napier. The In Gisborne, it seemed fitting, on looking out a walk guided by the present curator, Dan deeply dissected hill country through which the window of the bus, to see the white cliffs Halliday, for the majority, were memorable leading to Young Nick’s Head. This was the first ways to spend the morning, for the place land sighted on Cook’s initial voyage of touched the soul. We visited ‘Eastwoodhill’s discovery, the place which marked the beginning Fibonacci Spiral’, a memorial to H B [Bill] of the endeavours and innovation by many since Williams, who purchased the property from who have made New Zealand the great place it is. Douglas two years prior to the latter’s death. We had just left Eastwoodhill, the living He was determined that Eastwoodhill should memorial to Douglas Cook, by the way born in survive and so set up a Trust to ensure this. His New Plymouth in 1885, who with passion and action certainly emphasises that the future of single-mindedness developed and built the such special places requires the on-going Arboretum of European Trees, the largest in support of others equally passionate. the Southern Hemisphere, on the dry hills of Douglas Cook planted trees on the property in Gisborne. It was so dry that rhododendrons 1918, and started the Arboretum formally in would not thrive. He then collected around 1927. He died in 1967. Now nearly a hundred him plants-people of note, the Pukeiti years after those first plantings, and input Cyclamen hederifolium Rhododendron Trust was established and he purchased the first parcel of land on which Pukeiti’s gardens were established. Douglas, along with others like Sir Russell Matthews, wove a dream which still ensnares people as it has become reality. Pukeiti is more than just a collection of rhododendrons in a rainforest setting - it is unique. Unlike Eastwoodhill, introduced trees are few in number, selected for their bloom simply to provide a focus for The group at Hackfalls page 2 we passed was unusually green, lush with number of expeditions in Asia. Tom now Michael directly to join as a foundation grass, the result of a relatively wet late runs the family’s Cornish property member he offered as bait - a foot-high summer and autumn and was made more Tregrehan, in Cornwall. potted rare Michelia doltsopa, one of the appealing by the bright sunshine which The resulting garden at Gwavas is a true first available in New Zealand. Michael accentuated shadows in the gullies, woodland garden, as natural as the climate took the bait and has been a keen supporter contours and sheep tracks. In places and local conditions allow. It is described as and benefactor of Pukeiti ever since. He though - too many places in the view of a ‘Cornish Woodland Garden’ but is really a proudly showed us the tree, patting its some - sombre blankets of dark green pines unique place, a New Zealand Woodland almost metre-diameter trunk with some capped and covered a number of the hills. Garden of exotic plants moulded by the affection. He also introduced us to a A walk through Hackfalls, which is at a local external climate and the microclimate number of trees which Tom had collected. higher altitude and a good deal wetter under the large canopy trees. This allows a Graham Smith and Allan Jellyman are than Eastwoodhill, was exhilarating. We successful eclectic range of plants to presently assisting Michael to catalogue were guided by Diane Playle. Diane and seemingly thrive, although this has the extensive collections. Gwavas is a her husband Kevin manage the farm and required much care and attention from treasure trove of rare and unusual plants. take care of the Arboretum, the highlight Michael and Carola who have battled with The garden has one of the largest private of which was the collection, drought, having to extensively water the collections of temperate woody plants in particularly the Mexican Oaks, which trees when young, and cleaned up after Australasia and like Hackfalls has been make up probably the largest collection of storms which have sent some of the larger recognised by a ‘Distinguished Merit these to be seen anywhere. Unusual trees, trees crashing through sometimes rare and Award‘ given by the IDS, and also made a some not encountered before by some of ‘Garden of National Significance’ by the NZ our group, were spectacular in their Gardens’ Trust. Gordon Collier wrote in an autumn clothing. The resulting views edition of ‘NZ House and Garden’ especially around the lake were serene, magazine, ‘it’s a natural woodland setting bird-song of Tui and grey- warblers adding and looks cared for but not managed.’ another dimension. In the distance sheep As Lynn started this story in Gisborne so I dotted green hills. will continue from there. After dropping While oaks are the dominant trees planted Lynn off at Gisborne airport, the rest of us there are many other species. A recent continued travelling back to Napier for our published book compiled by Bob Berry second night. contains the full catalogue of these, along Thursday saw us up bright and early to with their photographs. It sums up his return to New Plymouth via Taupo. After life-long interest and obsession with trees. morning tea down by the Taupo marina we He started planting at Hackfalls in 1924. proceeded to Huka Lodge. As soon as you There are now over 3000 species and turn off the road, the perfectly clipped varieties, many of which Bob grew from hedges, lining the drive, inform that you seed he collected in the wild, spread across are entering a different world. We were fifty acres of the farm. Among them are divided into two groups and proudly 160 different , 90 birches, 90 shown around by two of the gardeners. eucalypt species, 70 magnolia varieties, Michael Hudson with Magnolia (Michelia) doltsopa Along the entrance, and around the Lodge 450 oaks and over 400 rhododendrons. the planting is very formal with clipped It was the rhododendrons which captured treasured under-plantings to the floor blocks of Box and Choisya, neatly clipped the eye though, despite their not being in where many perennials like aquilegias, edges of Box and the tall clipped hedges flower. They were also the main under- primulas, bluebells and daffodils add surrounding well maintained areas or planting in the Gwavas forest we visited on interest to the unspoilt woodland setting. rooms where guests can relax, swim, play the first day of the tour. Now run separately from the surrounding tennis, petanque or croquet and eat. Gwavas, established by Major George farmland, which has been sold, Gwavas, The formality of the immaculately clipped Gwavas Carlyon was purchased in 1880 the garden, encompasses nine hectares of areas quickly gives way to the more when the first gardens were laid out and planting and an adjoining remnant of relaxed, but still carefully nurtured and the first houses built. Then a huge station virgin Hawkes Bay lowland forest. At the maintained, plantings further from the of over 30, 000 acres it took almost a centre is the homestead built in 1890, now Lodge to give an overriding sense of peace ‘village’ of workers to farm it. Some of the a category A Historic Building because of and tranquility. trees planted in those early years are still its Totara panelling, in which Phyllida In front of the lodge the perfectly present, grand and majestic in their old (fifth generation at Gwavas - daughter of manicured lawn sweeps down to the age, particularly the pines and Michael and Carola) and husband Stuart Waikato river in one direction and in the macrocarpas. These now tower over and run a business hosting guests and other to a magnificent water garden are joined by an array of other species, receptions and look after the gardens designed by Suzanne Turley. Here a man some of equal height, planted over the (under Michael’s watchful eye). made river flows through large boulders years as the farm management passed After a great lunch and tour of the house through the following generations. In 1950 and small waterfalls; drifts of moisture- the Pukeiti group were guided through the loving plants such as gunnera, bog Michael Hudson took over and since has gardens by Stuart and joined by Michael. restored and extended the plantings primulas and hostas thrive. considerably. Some of the specimens he Michael is a foundation member of Pukeiti. The rooms, perfectly secluded from the has propagated and many of the recent He joined up after a visit from Douglas paths other guests use, are set among native introductions have been grown from seed Cook in 1951. Douglas called to outline his bush gardens where exotics have been collected by his son, Tom Hudson, on a vision for Pukeiti and while not asking planted unintrusively with the natives. The page 3

The group examine Eastwoodhill’s Fibonacci Spiral Allan Jellyman inspects Magnolia dealbata paths connecting the rooms with the ventured into the wine cellar. garden and Lodge are also fringed with this A couple of points to note is that even with style of planting. At the time of our visit, the the care and attention these gardens receive, lodge was fully booked so we were not able they still are having problems with Box blight. to be shown into one of the rooms. The gunnera is not allowed to set seed The Lodge owners are Dutch and in spring heads and several times a year inspections 1500 tulips bloom around the lodge and are carried out, without notice, to ensure gardens whilst daffodils are planted round they are compliant with this requirement. a specimen tree in the lawn going down to After Huka Lodge we proceeded around to the river and along the river bank. Apart our Patron’s home for our lunch.. Gordon’s from these spring bulbs the colour scheme garden, as anyone who knows him would of the garden is blue, white and red in imagine, is quite small (especially compared keeping with the Flag of the Netherlands. to Titoki Point)but beautifully landscaped and it was a delightful place for us to have Throughout the 17 acres of garden, tables our last lunch together. Gordon, is soon to and chairs, garden benches and deeply release a book - a memoir entitled ‘Bells cushioned chairs (complete with throws) Junction - Where is that?’. are positioned strategically so guests can relax and enjoy the garden and river views. As we left Taupo, the drizzle started and it One or two members sampled the comfort was a quiet busload of weary but happy of these chairs and approved of the travellers that returned to New Plymouth. Jenny Johannsen, Heather Robson and Orel standard set as did those others who Lynn Bublitz & Heather Robson McIntyre under a red leafed cornus

Rainforest Pavilion. An extended deck have been sourced. These specimens will be Happenings will be connected to the upper level of the complemented by many fine vireya hybrids, Vireya House. Work is expected to begin at Pukeiti along with appropriate companion plants. in July and take up to six months to The new House, with its elevated walkway complete. Meanwhile a partnership Work at Pukeiti is continuing at pace and and access through the bush to an elevated group representing the TRC and the Trust what looks presently like a bomb-site will view of the waterwheel, will provide a is working on a design brief for architects gradually be transformed. Intensive covered all-weather attraction at Pukeiti. to use as a basis for the drawing of plans building activity will recommence and Excavation work on the Misty Knoll, its for the new Lodge. It is hoped that it will areas will again look as if another spiral pathway and tunnel which leads to be built in the 2017 /18 financial year. bombing raid has occurred. the secret crater-like bowl has been The old Lodge will be demolished soon. The Vireya House (which replaces the completed and planting is soon to be old Covered Walk) has been completed undertaken. Red and pink azaleas will and an extensive watering system has cover the slopes on each side of the been installed. Andrew, working closely pathway and the bowl will feature scented with members of the Garden Forum, rhododendrons, mainly Maddenia particularly Greg Rine, Graham Smith varieties. Grassing of the Knoll has been and Allan Jellyman, has the planting completed and soon the new Founders’ plans well in hand and placing of the Garden will also be grassed. plants in the house is soon to begin. The House offers a range of microclimates to The mid-winter dinner will be the last mimic the conditions occurring in the function in the Gatehouse. Tenders are being geographical and ecological range from called for the upgrading of this, the entrance R. apoanum x waiting to be transplanted into which species in the vireya collection to Pukeiti, which will be called the the new Vireya House PlantPage List4 continued PAGE 4 Members’ Activities

Your members’ committee needs more assistance in staging our organised events such as: Plant packing VOLUNTEERS • Setting up for events and cleaning up afterwards • Transport of older members to events • Maintenance of the members’ database • Working Bees and other activities. The committee meets 4 times a year. If you think you NEEDED can help out or become a committe member, please contact Heather (06 757 2460), Diane (06 7522800). WORKING BEES The Memoirs of our Patron – Gordon Collier 9am Gordon has written a book of WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 memoirs which will appeal to Start many of our members. WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 meet at Propagation Mainly designed for his SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 area grandchildren, the book WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 includes several chapters of tales which will be of special WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 interest to all. These are the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 chapters on his experiences at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Tupare, Titoki Point and Pukeiti. The final Chapter PROPAGATION on his retirement to and the development of his Taupo property, Anacapri, is the only WORKSHOP chapter that concentrates mainly on plants. WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 – 9:30AM The book is wonderfully illustrated and will be available by Meet in Propagation area. Propagating perennial plants. private sale later this year for $45 + P&P Once the book is available for purchase, we will advise on methods MEMBERS’ BOARD MEETINGS of purchase through Pukeiti. COMMITTEE Friday, June 24 – 6pm at MEETINGS Govett Quilliam Offices OTHER ACTIVITIES Tuesday, September 06 – 9:30 Friday, September 23 - 6pm Tuesday, November 15 – 9:30 at Govett Quilliam Offices SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 A selection of members’ gardens which are not normally part of the festival will be open for members to visit. Details in next newsletter SPRING MEMBERS’ DAY & AGM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 MID DAY WINTER DINNER A tasty three course, buffet style dinner will be served at the Gatehouse. Please arrive by 11:45 for mulled wine and FRIDAY, OCT 28 – SUNDAY, NOV 06 social time. Dinner will be served at 12:30. After dinner Volunteers needed for parking & meet and greet. Gordon Bailey will entertain us with an account of his plant FRIDAY, OCT 28 – collecting trip to S.E. China. Bring some loose change for SUNDAY, NOV 06 the raffles. RSVP with payment and special dietary requests MID- LATE NOVEMBER POWERCO TARANAKI to Diane Jordan, Secretary, PO Box 1066, New Plymouth by Proposed Members’ trip to the Auckland GARDEN SPECTACULAR Wednesday, June 22. area gardens. Details to follow. Volunteers needed for parking Cost & meet and greet. $32.50pp BYO SATURDAY, END OF YEAR BBQ DECEMBER 10 Please book with Secretary on 06 7522800 by Thursday, December 08 Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust Inc.

TARANAKI REGIONAL COUNCIL www.trc.govt.nz Postal address: PO Box 1066 New Plymouth 4340 Office hours Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Environmental hotline 0800 736 222

Location: 2290 Carrington Rd. RD4 Postal address Private Bag 713, Stratford 4352 Regional gardens [email protected] www.pukeiti.org.nz Location 47 Cloten Road, Stratford 4332 Greg Rine Phone: (06) 765 7127 Secretary Phone 06 7522800 is worth a look! Mobile: 027 240 2470 Diane Jordan [email protected] Phone 0800 736 222 Andrew Brooker Phone: (06) 765 7127 (06) 765 7127 Chairperson or Phone (06) 752 4141 Gordon Bailey [email protected] Email [email protected] Mobile 0210 264 4060