Victoriana

Dannevirke

Owners:

Olive and Les Bayly

Click images to enlarge

Address:

33 Victoria Avenue, Dannevirke

Phone:

+ 64-6-374 7185

Email:

obayly@clear.net.nz

Open:

All year, daily, by appointment

Groups:

As above

Fee:

$5 per adult

Size:

Medium - 0.5ha (over 1 acre)

Terrain:

Flat with sloping woodland

Functions:

Teas by arrangement

Facilities:

Wheelchair access on the flat

Originally planted in 1915 when the house was built, Victoriana is a classic styled garden developed since 1990 when Olive took it over. Her favourite plants are the rare and unusual bulbs in her alpine beds, the predominant species including fritillarias, which accompany the trilliums, cyclamen and crocuses in spring. Arisaema, miniature narcissus and tulips are also prolific. The focal point of the woodland area is a huge coast redwood that has survived since 1915. Other woodland features include magnolias, camellias and azaleas, with underplantings of hellebores, hostas and groundcovers. As well as the redwood, there are some equally old deciduous trees such as the walnut, silver birch, chestnut, oak.

Natives planted since then comprise young kauri, rimu, kahikatea, pseudopanax and New Zealand ferns. Another recent addition is the brick walling – over 22,000 old bricks have been used in walls of varying heights. Roses climb the brick walls, complemented by over 150 varieties of clematis which Olive loves. And in 1999 she won $1,000 worth of pots which also now feature throughout the garden. Many varieties of irises are prominent in season – dwarf, bearded, Evansia and Siberian irises. Seasonal colour and perfume are also provided by magnolias, michelias and Daphne bholua in spring, alstromeria in summer, and nerines and hydrangeas in autumn.

Directions:

Take SH 2 to Dannevirke. From High St, turn north-west into Allardice St. Continue across railway line into Victoria Ave. Victoriana garden on left.