Friars Glencolyn GardenKimbolton village, Manawatu
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| Owners: |
Denis and Jillian Friar |
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| Address: |
P O Box 49, Kimbolton 4744 |
| Phone: |
+64-6-328 5746 |
| Mobile: |
+64-21 453 867 |
| Email: |
friars@farmside.co.nz |
| Open: |
all year, by prior appointment only |
| Closed: |
Saturdays |
| Groups: |
large groups & coachloads welcome |
| Fee: |
$7 pp; or $6 pp for groups of 20+ |
| Size: |
Medium - 2 hectares (5 acres) |
| Terrain: |
sloping to flat |
| Facilities: |
Refreshments and quality self-contained accommodation sometimes available - by arrangement. |
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| This tranquil woodland garden was developed over four decades by plantsman Colin Spicer. As well as the tall mature exotic trees that abound, many of them very rare, this garden features extensive underplanting. Thousands of hellebores lining the stream bank are followed by primulas throughout the wetlands of the streams. Early spring brings dozens of daffodils to the fore, followed by tulips. Drifts of spring crocuses and bluebells also brighten the garden. Colchicums (sometimes known as autumn crocuses) take their place in autumn, as the deciduous trees colour up. Cardiocrinum giganteum are eye-catching in December when the waterlilies in the pond are at their full glory. Set on the edge of Kimbolton village, just 5 minutes' drive south of Cross Hills, Friars Glencolyn Garden enjoys the altitude that enables it to feature many South Island varieties of plants that it is too warm to see elsewhere in the North Island. These include woodland treasures such as trilliums in early spring accompanying the camellias and clematis "falls", and the luscious peonies that complement the rhododendrons in November. Since taking over Glencolyn, Denis and Jillian have introduced hundreds of Japanese maples and underplantings of treeferns and arthropodiums in the forested areas. These set off the multitude of spectacular European and American trees, including redwoods, red cedars, silver birches, and a sorbus collection. Birds are attracted to the many trees, with tui and native pigeons frequent visitors. Drifts of spring bulbs such as miniature daffodils, chiondoxa, uvularia and erythroniums have also been scattered throughout the garden, along with the trilliums, tulips and daffodils.
Other woodland gardens worth visiting in Kimbolton include Woodland Grange across the road, Woodlands Garden along the road, Heritage Park 3 minutes walk up the road, and Cross Hills 5 minutes' drive up the road. |
Directions:
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From SH 1, take SH 54 to Cheltenham. Turn into Kimbolton Rd. Travel 14km to Kimbolton, then turn left into Grammar Street to Friars Glencolyn Garden on far corner of Grammar and Flyger Streets, just thru intersection on RHS, at 38 Grammar St.
Or from Palmerston North, travel north to Feilding & take Kimbolton Rd north. Then as above to Friars Glencolyn. |
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