In Ruby Bay, Kathy and John Askin have turned a once-overgrown plot into a joyful patchwork of roses, hydrangeas, camellias and bright, happy blooms. With a little farmyard ingenuity, plenty of colour, and a love for sharing flowers with friends, her garden has become a welcoming haven for people and birds alike – and a delightful stop on the Motueka Garden Trail.
The story
Some parts of the garden have been here for many years. There were many large trees and shrubs, which provided good structure. The previous owners had altered various parts, especially the area up near the house. We have been here for ten years now.
Inspiration
I have always been a gardener, and when I saw this place, I just felt I could really do something with it. It wasn’t a specific vision as such, but I was very excited about the challenge it presented.
Changes
The garden was once quite overgrown in some places. Once we had cut back and cleared out the overgrown plants, you could see the way ahead to start replanting.
Favourite part
One of my favourite parts of the garden is what I call the rocky bank. From the bottom you can look up and across it and see the whole thing flowering at once, which puts on quite a show. I also like it as it provided quite a challenge to get it looking how I wanted.
Favourite flowers
I love roses. They are so rewarding with their repeat flowering, their scent and their huge colour range. I also love the stately hydrangeas and camellias and any bright flowery plants like dahlias, alstroemeria, hellebores in winter, and happy plants like daisies and paeonies, and of course spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips and freesias.
Challenges
The main challenge was the soil. It is clay-based, so when planting anything new I would put gypsum in to help with drainage and compost to get the roots going. Rabbits are also a real pest, especially when I plant something new. They seem to think I am providing a meal for them, so I have to cover it with netting until it gets established.
Seasons
I think early summer is great as the garden is full of flowers, but each season provides something different. I always look forward to autumn after the heat of summer, and I don’t have to worry about the constant watering.
Style
I like plenty of colour in a garden and will buy a plant just because I like the look or the colour of it. I try to work on the principle of the right place for the right plant, as they will grow better in their correct position. It doesn’t have to be a specific colour or to match what is around it, as long as it will grow there happily.
Personal touch
Because we are farmers, we can get old fence posts and pipes to use as garden edging and other DIY projects, such as posts and railings to allow easy access around the garden. John is also great with a chainsaw, he cuts, and I carry, and of course we could not do without our chipper, which we bought when we first came here. It is the best thing for turning garden rubbish into mulch.
Every garden should have…
Every garden is different, but the correct use of space is key – whether it’s a large country garden or a small town plot. Achieving a balance between large trees and shrubs, smaller perennials, or whatever plants are chosen ensures the garden feels good to be in and offers interesting plants and features to enjoy.
How do you like to use the garden?
I just enjoy walking around my garden with friends or neighbours and I love to pick flowers for myself or to give away. I have also noticed an increase in birdlife, which is just great to see.
Eco-friendly practices
I am a great believer in feeding the soil because it all starts there. I can get access to rotten straw, and we chip a lot of our garden rubbish which makes a great mulch. I also use the autumn leaves. This helps suppress the weeds, which is a bonus. I don’t spray my roses but try to provide good soil and conditions they love. They do sometime get blackspot, but over time they seem to build up a resistance to most rose diseases.
Rewards
The most rewarding part of working on my garden is the personal satisfaction. I was lucky that there were big trees to provide the basic structure and I could add the elements and plants to achieve the look I wanted.
Future plans
There are no new plans for the garden at the moment, but I would like to make it more easy care as we are not getting any younger.
Advice
When starting a garden of your own, the first thing to ask yourself is ‘What type of garden do I like?’ Native, cottage, formal, etc., and also, who is the garden for – children, pets, etc, – and do I have time to care for it? Gardening can involve a bit of work, but it is so rewarding to grow flowers, vegetables, or whatever you enjoy. Just go for it – and have fun.
Motueka Garden Trail, 15 – 16 November.
Visit beautiful gardens around the Motueka area and raise funds for the Motueka Toy Library.
https://www.facebook.com/motuekagardentrail/
