Gardenstone

Dannevirke

Owners:

Lyn and Michael Charlton

Click images to enlarge

Address:

Otope Road, R D 5, Dannevirke

Phone:

+ 64-6-374 8259

Email:

gardenstone@paradise.net.nz

Open:

1 October to 31 May, 10am to 5pm, by appointment only

Fee:

$3 per adult

Size:

Medium - 1ha (2.5 acres) & large - 2ha bush (5 acres)

Terrain:

Flat & undulating

Functions:

Lunches by arrangement only

Gardenstone is a rural garden, just six kilometres east of Dannevirke. The house garden features roses, clematis, perennials and mixed plantings, divided into garden rooms by arches and young hedges of buxus, hornbeam, beech and yew. Local riverstone has been used to build a large well and retaining walls. A kilometre-long native bush walk takes visitors through mature kahikatea, totara and matai, past drifts of arthropodiums and statuary, to seats and a swing by the woodland stream. Gardenstone features mature trees as well as recent plantings such as the lime walk, oak woodlot, maples and other deciduous trees.

There is also a formal potager, pétanque court, and extensive library of garden books for visitors to enjoy. A 40-metre Cretan labyrinth is under construction, located near an amphitheatre in the bush, where weddings are held. Hydrangeas, late flowering perennials and shrubs, and the changing colours of the deciduous trees create a welcoming autumn garden. Climbing plants including jasmine, old roses, lonicera, Hydrangea petiolaris, Boston ivy, hops and ornamental grapes provide vertical accent and year-round interest. Morning and afternoon teas, lunches and picnic baskets are available on request. Gardenstone is designed for visitors to spend a relaxing day in the country. Animal lovers will enjoy feeding the donkeys.

Directions:

From Dannevirke, take Miller Rd south-east for 5km. Turn right into Otope Rd. Travel 1km to Gardenstone on right.