Designers Announced for Auckland Garden Designfest

Designers Announced for Must-Attend Auckland Garden Designfest

Visitors attending the upcoming Auckland Garden DesignFest will be able to meet some of New Zealand’s best garden design talent in person, as the line-up of this year’s designers is fittingly announced today, the first day of spring.

The 2017 event will showcase 20 of Auckland’s most beautiful and inspirational gardens across two days on 25 and 26 November, bringing together the incredible talent of 19 garden designers.

Those accepted into this year’s DesignFest are: Trish Bartleet, Paul Gallagher, Damian Wendelborn, Trudy Crerar, Sue and Colin McLean, Sally McLeay, Barbara Garrett, Joanna Hamilton, Bryan McDonald, Keren McDonnell, Matt McIsaac, Kerry Speirs, Zoë Carafice, Mark Read, Jason O’Toole, Nick Robinson, Chris Ballantyne and Glenys Yeoman.

The biennial festival, which is jointly organised by Rotary Newmarket and the Garden Design Society of New Zealand (GDSNZ), is being held for the fourth time.

Prospective gardens were reviewed and selected by a panel of experts from the Garden Design Society of New Zealand. With only one exception, back after a gap of six years by popular demand, these private gardens have not previously been open for public viewing.

Throughout the two days, each of the designers will be on-site, allowing visitors a unique opportunity to gain inspiration and learn more about the creative process behind each garden.

Auckland Garden DesignFest, Joint Chairperson, Rose Thodey says; “We always try to have a diverse range of gardens that highlight the benefit of good design and showcase different styles and sizes of gardens, from tiny courtyards to large expanses, often with vastly different budgets to match. We feel confident that we have truly delivered on that this year and can’t wait to share them with visitors in the full flush of spring.”

Proceeds from the DesignFest will benefit children’s charities: Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, Garden to Table and Rotary Club of Newmarket Charitable Trust.

“The DesignFest would simply not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and we extend our thanks to them. It’s a privilege to have people on board who appreciate garden design in the same way that we do. We also wish to thank the garden owners who are welcoming enough to open up their gardens, and the volunteers who work tirelessly to make the DesignFest happen,” says Thodey.

Scott Fisk, Dawson & Co General Manager, the Premier Sponsor of this year’s DesignFest says; “Having been involved previously, we’ve experienced the excitement and value that design enthusiasts gain from this inspiring event. We are thrilled to be supporting the DesignFest and their charity partners as premium sponsor.”

Linda Taylor, Executive Officer, Garden to Table Trust says; “We are once again very thankful to the Auckland Garden DesignFest for choosing us as one of their charity partners. Their support allows us to continue to teach New Zealand children essential life skills, including a love of good food and sustainable gardening.”

Tickets for the Auckland Garden DesignFest are available from iTICKET, Kings Plant Barn stores and onsite at the garden gate. Visitors can choose from $65 all garden tickets, $10 single garden access or three gardens for $20. Earlybird tickets for just $55 are on sale until 30 September.

For more information and updates on the 2017 Auckland Garden DesignFest, visit www.gardendesignfest.co.nz or follow Auckland Garden DesignFest on Facebook or Instagram.

ENDS

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