Dursley

Masterton, Wairarapa

Owners:

Judith Callaghan

Click images to enlarge

Address:

Bideford, R D 11, Masterton

Phone:

+ 64-6-372 4804

Fax:

+ 64-6-372 4874

Email:

dursley@actrix.co.nz

Open:

Daily

Groups:

As above

Fee:

$5 per adult

Size:

Medium - 1.52ha (34/5 acres)

Terrain:

Flat with small terrace

Functions:

Lunches by arrangement; wheelchair access to most of garden

In 1916 Alfred Buxton designed the garden, then known as Te Rangi Pai. The name was changed to Dursley in the 1930s, but the lines of Buxton’s landscaping are still apparent today. A 1917 arbutus and weeping birch give stature, with some original rose bushes featuring among the 300 now growing throughout the garden. Many other established trees, underplanted with naturalised bulbs, form a woodland carpeted with spring bulbs, including daffodils, bluebells, galanthus and grape hyacinths, then drifts of cyclamens in autumn. Long views under the trees are retained in a natural, not contrived, way, with pathways through deciduous azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and tree peonies, their bright colours downplayed by shadows from the canopy overhead.

In summer, hundreds of lillies of 15–20 varieties including Turk’s-cap lilies (L. martagon) feature throughout the woodland area, and a very large clump of California “tree” poppies (Romneya coulteri) is striking when in full bloom. Three herbaceous borders are sited to provide views from the house. When the Callaghans took over the garden in 1972 they removed seven truckloads of debris before beginning to recover the garden area around the flowing driveway. Care has been taken not to plant out the panoramic views to the hills, appreciated from the seats which abound for visitors to sit and listen to the birds in the quiet, tranquil atmosphere.

Directions:

From Masterton, turn east off SH 2 into Castlepoint Rd. Turn left into SH 52, then up Bideford Valley, past Te Roto garden. Dursley on left. 18 minutes from Masterton.