Passing Through the Idyllic

For three weeks over the summer, private gardens throughout New Zealand opened their gates to a tour group of 28 Arkansas Master Gardeners beginning at Totara Waters, a 2 acre garden owned by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle who propagate bromeliads, cycads, ponytail palms and aloes for sale. Next: Ayrlies Garden, just outside Auckland. Privately owned by Beverly McConnell, who bought it with her now-deceased husband, Malcolm, this garden started as an open paddock in 1957 and today is a glorious 10 acres with several ponds, waterfalls and art. A small, capable team of gardeners keeps it immaculate. Our first stop on South Island was Dunedin and a garden tour of Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand. Home to the Barker family, who lovingly restored the castle and grounds, it is now a site for weddings. The party was treated to a tour by Margaret Barker, who has spent 40 years establishing the gardens. “Our farewell dinner was in the Curators Cottage of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a fitting end to a fabulous adventure.”