FESTIVAL

EVENTS

FESTIVAL EVENTS

GARDEN TOUR

10am to 4pm each day!

$5 per garden per person. Cash only. No dogs. Download map below.

Olmec & Melisa Sinclair,
966 Leader Road East

Since 2019 Melisa and Olmec have been growing and tending the forest garden at blockhill. Inspired by permaculture and ecosystem restoration, the garden is a diverse collection of edible, medicinal, ornamental and practical plants that support each other and the inhabitants.

Books for Sale: visit https://www.blockhill.co.nz/shop/books for more information.

Sue Coleman,
44 McQueen Road, Cheviot

Built in 1896, this historic Kauri and Rimu home overlooks Cheviot and is surrounded by mature trees that shelter native birds. The gardens, developed in the 1990s, include over 120 roses. Over 18 years, we’ve added fruit, citrus, and asparagus, creating a tranquil oasis within the township.

The Cheviot Cancer Support Group will be offering tea, coffee and treats as a fundraiser for the 3 days.

Maureen Fitzgibbon,
2 Robinson Road, Cheviot

Our garden, once part of the Cheviot Maternity grounds, has evolved over 19 years into a thriving mix of natives and cottage plants. Seasonal highlights include tulips, roses, peonies, and a striking liquid amber tree. We enjoy sharing it with others, swapping plants and ideas.

Chrissy Spalding,
13 Robinson Street, Cheviot

We saw the potential to transform this sparsely planted garden in 2016 to a shaped, seasonal space. With frosts, droughts, and limited water, it’s a challenge – but a joy. Framed by historic trees and sheep-filled reserves, it blends old and new, with art from our former home and local artists adding charm.

Lynne Harrison,
257 Cathedral Road, Gore Bay

Perched above Gore Bay, Cathedral Cliffs Garden offers stunning ocean views and a unique microclimate. This 2-hectare garden features rare rhododendrons, towering plants, drought-tolerant succulents, and abundant fruit trees. Roses bloom year-round.

Crafts for sale: Lynne will have her crafts for sale (Eftpos available).

Please note: Toilets are located at the south end of Gore Bay. For those with limited mobility, please drive up and drop off. All other parking is under the trees on the drive. Please do not park on the lawn area.

Anne Douglas,
250 Cathedral Road

Since 2017, we’ve been transforming a steep paddock above Gore Bay into a garden with panoramic views. Coastal and hardy plants thrive despite clay soil, wind, and sea mist. Sculptures add character, and a deck invites reflection. The ocean’s presence is a constant joy – so the weeds can wait!

Gary Mitchell & Robert Day,
124 Cheviot Heights, Cheviot

Ribbonwood Country House is an award winning bed and breakfast that was purpose built in 2013.  Gary and Robert purchased the bare 18.5 acre (7.5 hectare) block at the end of 2009.  The block of land had only the boundary fences and grass and they started to develop it in 2011 by building the shed and planning the garden.  They lived in the shed for 18 months whilst the house was being built.  Many of the native trees grown from seed frame stunning views of the Waiau valley looking towards the Kaikoura mountains.  You will love the view!

They have added colourful borders, a scented rose garden, a vibrant picking garden and an extensive productive vegetable garden which all add to the charm of Ribbonwood.  There are a variety of bearded irises, gladioli, dahlia's, hydrangeas, hosta's and a variety of other plants and specimen trees to enjoy.  

We will provide water and a cuppa so bring your lunch and have a picnic at Ribbonwood whilst soaking up the views.  We have a toilet on site for visitors to use as well as EFTPOS.  We will have a variety of plants and preserves for sale.  Some art work and some gorgeous handcrafted and hand painted stoneware pottery by Lyn Baynes.  

Debbie Anderson,
976 Kaiwara Road

This country garden is set amongst the Lowry ranges on a third generation sheep and beef farm. On riverbed soils that are free draining it relies on spring water sourced high in the hills for moisture as it endures hot dry summers. The original garden was established in the 1940’s and has been added to and enlarged over the years. A house fire in 2020 destroyed the homestead and damaged the surrounding garden but now five years later a beautiful new homestead stands amongst a colourful re-established garden. This plant  lover’s garden hosts a large herbaceous border full to the brim with many varieties of iris, lily, penstemon, peony and salvia which follow the multiple spring bulbs that thrive in the environment. Paths wander through shaded areas decorated with tasteful garden sculpture and planted under established trees. There is a large vegetable garden that feeds the family throughout most of the year.

There will be a plant stall. Homemade lemonade, tea and cake to purchase and enjoy. Bring your own picnic welcome. A toilet available for guests. 

Download our brochure, including a map of our garden tour, here:

Download now