Wilsons Mill GardenOhoka, North Canterbury
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| Owners: |
Lee Dunster |
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| Address: |
3 Christmas Rd, Ohoka, R D 2, Kaiapoi |
| Phone: |
+ 64-3-327 7815 |
| Mobile: |
+64-21 348 150 |
| Fax: |
+ 64-3-327 7825 |
| Email: |
lee.dunster@xtra.co.nz |
| Website: |
wilsonsmillgarden.co.nz |
| Open: |
1st October - 31st May, daily, 10am - 4pm |
| Closed: |
1st June - 30th September |
| Groups: |
Bus tours by appointment |
| Fee: |
$10 per adult |
| Size: |
Large - 5.5ha (13 - 14 acres) |
| Terrain: |
Flat and gently undulating |
| Functions: |
teas only be arrangement for groups |
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Wilsons Mill gained the inaugural Canterbury Horticulture Society's "Garden of Excellence" award in 1999-2000 for horticultural and design excellence. The garden has been developed since 1987. Strong lines define the structure, with rows of trees framing vistas and forming axes. Exuberant plantings soften these lines and provide seasonal colour, with apricots and yellows in profusion, punctuated with accent colours. A colonnade of classical pillars is echoed by rows of columnar trees and clipped hedges such as hornbeam and low buxus. An avenue of cabbage trees leads from the entrance courtyard to the lake, where waterfowl swim among the lilies and fountain. Gunneras edge the banks beside a grape and rose pergola walk. The westerly axis from the house and lake is extended by an avenue of Tasman poplars, divided by The Long Lawn, to the folly on a mound beyond. Two fastigiate oaks and a golden tree are the focal points of the northerly axis of Leyland cypress. Ginkgos lining the driveway turn golden in autumn, and the pin oak grove turns scarlet. Clematis climbs through many of the maturing trees, underplanted with rhododendrons and other shrubs. Spring highlights include a variety of flowering cherries, then hundreds of roses take centre stage in summer. A rose arbour is the central focal point of a formal circular peony garden edged with catmint and enclosed in cypress hedging. Wilsons Mill is named after an original flax mill, the flax now replaced by deer and cattle in adjacent paddocks. |
Directions:
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From Christchurch, take SH 1 north. Take 2nd exit off motorway, towards Ohoka. Travel along Mill Rd, then turn left into Christmas Rd. Wilsons Mill Garden on right. |
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