Surprises Await in Auckland Backyards
23rd-24th February 2013
Glendowie’s Chris and Rachel Foley are looking forward to showing gardening enthusiasts their little patch of paradise when the Heroic Gardens Festival returns for its 17th year later this month. They, together with Brooke (18) and Max (14) will be rolling out the welcome mat to potentially 3,000 attendees over the weekend event.
Heroic Gardens gives festival-goers exclusive access to some of Auckland’s most stunning private gardens. This year 24 gardens will feature: from Glendowie in the east to Titirangi in the west. Unique to the festival is the opportunity to talk with the garden owners themselves.
The family’s contemporary property, with hard area design by Bridget Blake and planting design by Chris Paterson, is one of 10 gardens on show for the first time.
“Close friends of ours had their garden feature,” Rachel says, “They loved the experience and recommended we take part.”
Originally showcasing gay and lesbian-owned gardens, the festival has grown to include the gardens of many other supporters of hospice. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Mercy Hospice Auckland’s work providing essential services free-of-charge to patients facing life-limiting illness as well as their loved ones. This year the charity hopes to raise $80,000net from the festival.
Rachel’s father David Davies died of bowel and liver cancer some 25 years ago.
“We had help from Hospice North Shore,” Rachel says, “They came to our home and cared for dad in his last few weeks. They were an incredible support. It’s great to be able to give something back to Hospice.”
The Foley’s garden is just 20 minutes drive from the CBD.
“I think the best thing about our property is that it backs on to a working farm (Churchill Park),” Rachel says, “It’s a very tranquil setting and you just don’t expect it in the middle of suburbia.”
Festival goers will also discover a lava cave, a chapel and a WWII bunker converted to an orchidarium in other Heroic Gardens this year.
Heroic Gardens tickets are only $35 each and are valid both days. Visit www.heroicgardens.org.nz for more information.
Verve Magazine (February 2013)