Riverview Garden

Morrinsville, Waikato

Owners:

Toni and Peter Spooner

Click images to enlarge

Address:

64 Riverview Rd. Morrinsville

Phone:

+ 64-7-889 5383

Fax:

+ 64-7-889 5383

Open:

September to May, daily, 9am - 4.30pm daily, by appointment only

Groups:

As above

Fee:

$3 per adult

Size:

Small - 0.13ha (0.3 acres)

Terrain:

Slightly sloping southwards

Functions:

Perennials & annuals from garden for sale in season

Riverview is an award-winning garden in the township of Morrinsville, but with rural views over the Piako River. Begun in 1990 this semi-formal garden now contains a number of exotic trees such as a weeping elm that Toni keeps trimmed on the roadside, a ginkgo, albizia and mature pepper tree. She loves the maples which feature in the spring and again in the autumn. A serpentine block wall forms the front boundary and the rose-lined driveway leads to ‘Dublin Bay’ roses climbing the railings of the balcony. Another red rose ‘Josephine Bruce’ flourishes at a side boundary, underplanted with nasturtiums to obviate spraying. ‘Wedding Day’ is one of Toni’s favourite roses, many of which are underplanted with purple pansies.

A secluded fountain in a front corner of the garden is set among trees carpeted in ajuga. A Mexican water feature is the focal point of a subtropical garden where a variety of fruit ripen. Architectural structures include pergolas, seating, paving stones, statuary, a patio with hanging baskets and terracotta pots.

As well as the roses, other climbers in spring are the clematis and wisterias in pale pink, white and purples. These complement the camellias, rhododendrons and weeping cherry tree. After the irises, the summer brings the fuchsias, daylilies and daisies into flower. Toni hopes to extend the back terracing, with its box and lavender hedging, to a gazebo in the paddock below.

Directions:

Take SH 26 to Morrinsville. From Thames St, turn south-east into Oak St, Ash St or Elm St. At end of street, turn into Riverview Rd to Riverview Garden.