The Ridges

Hunterville, Rangitikei
Owners: Marshall family
Click images to enlarge
Address: SH 1, R D 1, Marton
Phone: + 64-6-327 8484
Fax: + 64-6-327 8279
Email: sally@theridges.co.nz
Website: www.theridges.co.nz
Open: October & November, daily, 10am-4.30pm; other times when road sign displayed, or by appointment
Groups: By appointment, as above
Fee: garden entrance fee; group concessions
Size: Large - 2ha (5 acres) as well as woodland area
Terrain: Terraced
Functions: Nursery & garden shop on site

Sited on a terrace above the Rangitikei River, The Ridges was originally established by Sally’s grandparents from 1924, when the rhododendrons were planted along the driveway. Design elements by Alfred Buxton were added in the 1930s and a sunken garden in the 1950s. The impressive driveway welcomes visitors into this mature garden, where woodland areas are complemented by open lawn with colourful borders. Large trees still allow superb views to the surrounding countryside, Ruahine Range and Tararua foothills beyond.

Spring begins with drifts of chionodoxa, dark blue forget-me-nots and dog’s-tooth violets under deciduous trees. Flowering cherries, magnolias and dogwoods blossom, underplanted with fritillarias, peonies and early perennials. Masses of rhododendrons and azaleas brighten the green backdrop. Roses and lilies bloom throughout the garden, and summer perennials in the formal sunken gardens frame a central statue of “Spring”. Then in autumn pink Cyclamen hederifolium carpet the garden beneath the beautiful autumn foliage of notable copper beeches, maples, liquidambars, oaks, and birches. A magnificent Magnolia campbellii blossoms in winter, when camellias open. Belladonna lilies stud the entrance, adjacent to a memorable stand of kahikatea and over three hectares of woodland where Sally is planning a bush walk.

Directions:


Travel on SH 1 to Hunterville. Continue 13km south of Hunterville to The Ridges on right. Or take SH 1 and travel 21km north of Bulls to The Ridges on left.