Episode: New Zealand? Bay of Plenty
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

Some people think that a garden is a place to work but Tony and Nicky Ponder think a garden is a place to play, which is a great philosophy.

Their garden opens into an outdoor games room, with boci, ideal for the refined athlete and chess for the more intellectual family members and then there is the beach volleyball court, a great place for burning energy. These are all games which take you outdoors to enjoy the environment.

The property is a hectare in size and when you consider it is just seven years since they commenced building the garden, their achievements are remarkable. The dry rock walls retain garden beds with style and it took a stone mason 12 months solid work to complete.

The gardens design is creative, insightful and very clever fully utilising the drop of 13 metres from the top to the bottom of the block

Plant selection is expansive and carefully considered and there are many highlights. New Zealand is home to some of the worlds best known strap leaf plants and the Day Lilies and Japanese Iris are absolutely beautiful. Complimenting the foliage are yuccas, flax lilies, cordylines and carex grasses.

The informal blue berry hedge is laden with fruit and can be harvested throughout the summer, much to the delight of the gardens owners; a delicious idea, so easy to do and perfect for any garden.

A creek winds its way through the base of the property and the pond with its jetty and beautiful boardwalk is the perfect place to come and relax and reflect. Plants such as the Giant Leaf Gunnera , Weeping Willows, Louisiana Iris and Water Lilies mixed with many other aquatic, marginals and bog loving plants fill out a magical place in the garden.

The pool has to be the ultimate entertaining area for young and old. The barbeque, the bar, the spa set amongst palms, pony tails and yuccas are low maintenance and the diverse use of materials such as stone, decking and paving add to the earthy, relaxing character of the area.

The garden is full of character and has a fascinating selection of interesting plants species yet it is functional with an outdoor games area ideal for all ages not forgetting to mention the ultimate in entertainment locations. It really is what it is all about.

Nicky and Tony Ponder
www.gardenandartfest.co.nz