Opening garden to help people facing life limiting illnesses

When avid One Tree Hill gardeners, Kay Anderson and Joanna Mason, were approached by organisers of the Heroic Garden Festival, they were pleased to open their garden for a worthy cause.

Established to raise money to support Mercy Hospice Auckland 21 years ago, the festival (February 18-19, 2017) gives visitors exclusive access to some of Auckland City’s most prestigious private gardens.

“We have both had friends that needed the service of hospice and seeing how much good they do for them and their families when they go through such a difficult time, we are happy to open our garden to support them,” Joanna says.

Both Joanna and Kay share a passion for plants. With only a 320 square metre section they have utilised the space well and made it into a well functioning organic garden. Their steep front garden has been terraced and planted with an interesting mix of shrubs and perennials in a semi-formal style while the back is an organic productive garden with a worm farm and a small greenhouse.

“We have a lot of fruit trees and we preserve as much fruit as we can which carries us through winter. There is nothing better than walking out a night after a days work and being able to pick all your own vegies and make them into dinner,” says Joanna.

There are 22 gardens to be inspired from in the Festival, opening from 10am-5pm with entry cost at $50 or for individual garden entry, Adult: $10 and Children: $5 (Children under 12, where permitted).

Mercy Hospice Auckland, Fundraising Events Coordinator, Kahu Burns says festivalgoers have the unique opportunity to experience both ‘urban & country’ gardens and meet the gardeners themselves. “There is something for both keen gardeners and those looking for inspiration.”

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