Friday, January 5, 2024

Century old trees for summer shade

 Summer getting too hot for you yet? Come on out to Dursley to bask in the shade of some of the magnificent 100+ year old trees. Many Oaks, a stunning Strawberry Tree (Arbutus), Cedars, Fir and many many more. Laid out by early NZ landscape architect Alfred Buxton, these trees are stunning in size. Pathways meander between them, with seats and farm vistas to enjoy from their shade. 

Summer is relatively quite under the trees, but winter, spring and autumn feature thousands of bulbs - Martagon lilies, hellebores, and cyclamen in particular. 

Arbutus unedo - Strawberry Tree. One of the largest in the Wairarapa

Pathways meander through the shade of the magnificent trees



Colour in Mid-Summer at Dursley

Mid-summer means COLOUR at Dursley. The perennial borders are looking spectacular, the roses are in full flight, and every colour is represented! Come on out and have a wander around. Lots of quiet places to sit in either sun or shade. A particularly good month to visit if you are into roses and/or lilies, as they are a major feature throughout the garden. 
















Unusual Plants in Mid-Summer

Judith likes to grow slightly unusual plants in her garden. Many of these special plants are in flower at the moment, including these gorgeous tree poppies - Romneya. They thrive in Dursley's free draining soil. 




Below: Commonly known as 'Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow' (Brunsfelsia) because of the three phases of colour each flower goes through over successive days, Judith has these feature plants in one of the perennial borders. The colours are violet, liliac and white, and are all seen on the bush at the same time. Quite unusual, but looks lovely surrounded by a mixture of perennials, intermingling with lilies, dahlias, catmint and roses. 







Below: Red Hot Pokers in various shades, which flower for months



Below: Chinese Lanterns (Abutalon) need the light behind for them to glow. This yellow is eye-catching as it appears to be lit up, even in mid-winter. Seen here surrounded by Fox-gloves (Digitalis). 





Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Tulips, Daffodils and more

Judith has gardened at Dursley for over 50 years, and in that time has added THOUSANDS of bulbs! Particularly tulips and daffodils, but also pockets of tiny treasures - grape hyacinths, freesias, sparaxias etc. Something new every week.  

Make the most of the spring sunshine and come out to visit at any time. The garden is open seven days a week, with no appointment required. Bring a picnic, or if you would like Devonshire Tea, then give Judith a call prior to your visit (06 3724 804), or try your luck on the day! $7 pp.

1899 Te Ore Ore Bideford Road, Masterton.  20 minutes north-east of Masterton set in the beautiful Bideford Valley. No crowds, no queues!! $5 adults. No dogs please. 

Come on out, Judith would love to see you. 













Monday, March 20, 2023

Early autumn at Dursley

Some photos taken on the weekend. Perennial borders look magnificent at the moment. Lots of special treasures around every corner!! Come out and have a wander around. Open 7 days a week. Only $5 entry!! 1899 Te Ore Ore Bideford Road, Masterton