Marsal Paeonies

Dunsandel, Central Canterbury

Owners:

Julie and John Allan

Click images to enlarge

Address:

R D 2, Leeston, Christchurch

Phone:

+ 64-3-325 4003

Fax:

+ 64-3-325 4222

Open:

Labour weekend (end October) to mid December, or by appointment

Groups:

Open weekends from mid November to mid December, or by appointment

Fee:

$3 per person for groups & buses

Size:

Large - 2ha (5 acres)

Terrain:

Flat

Functions:

Lunches by arrangement only

The name “Marsal” is a combination of two of the Allan children’s names, and “Paeonies” is the botanical spelling of peonies. Julie likes propagating all plants, but tree peonies, “the king of flowers” in ancient China, are her prime love. These flower early, just before Labour weekend (late October), followed by the herbaceous peonies, starting with the corals then white ‘Miss America’ at the beginning of November and reaching a peak towards the end of the month. Julie is also interested in the new intersectional hybrids, which are disease-resistant and feature a tree peony top with herbaceous roots.

John’s favourites are the trees, particularly maples, along with oaks and a few special birches. Companion plants include daffodils in spring, lilies and roses in summer and many unusual perennials such as the hostas that are predominant throughout the garden, adjacent to the peony field. A small native area was planted in 1986. Panoramic views have been retained to the Southern Alps, but the peonies seem to thrive in windy conditions, enjoying the cold, frosty winters and hot, dry summers. Contrary to popular opinion, certain early peonies can also be grown in warmer climates, providing they are planted close to the surface to maximise the cold in winter.

Directions:

From Christchurch City, take SH 1 south for 45 mins to Dunsandel. Turn right into Hororata Rd & then left into Old South Rd. Travel 1.5km to Marsal Paeonies on left.