North Island Wolseley Garden Run 2019
On Saturday 9th November, we met at the Inglewood Railway Station for the start of our 2019 Garden run. We had a turnout of six Wolseleys and one more modern Nissan, with a total of 16 people including two new members. The weather was not kind at this point and most of us had raincoats on and umbrellas out. However, this did not dim our enthusiasm to see the range of lovely gardens chosen by Raewynn and Michael.
Our first garden was Creekside, a rambling acre of maples, hostas, rhodos and many established plantings. There was a lake, watershed, and a native tree walk planted many years ago.
We then moved on to Windsor View, an acre of garden around manicured lawns with many rhodos, azaleas, irises and hydrangeas and featuring lots of garden ceramics. The added attractions included a bridge to nowhere, rustic cottage and an outside toilet with washbasin. The man of the house has a very nice collection of Mustang cars in pristine condition, a room of model cars, and he has painted up a pop-up caravan in the design of a United States flag. All this was included in the entry fee of only $2.
Third on our list was The Potters Shed where we were able to purchase garden ceramics and see where they are made. Lunch was at the Taranaki Vintage Car Club rooms where Raewynn and Michael had organised a delicious lunch for us.
In the afternoon we were back in New Plymouth to visit Jersey Lane, a country garden with many features including an old barn which was turned into an event facility for a family wedding and is now booked on a regular basis. There we were offered refreshments and the chance to sit down and rest. By this time the weather had perked up and it was getting quite sunny and warm.
Last on our list was Tupare, an arts and crafts inspired property established in 1932 by the Matthews family. These days it is run by the Taranaki Regional Council, and although the house was not open at the time of our visit we were able to walk all through the garden which is on a hillside and has been well planted over the years. There was also an art exhibition in the Gardeners cottage.
Dinner that night was at the Autolodge Hotel where was had the most delicious early Christmas dinner.
Most people departed early on Sunday morning as some of them had quite a distance to travel home, but a few of us lingered to visit the Christmas Village in New Plymouth and have an early lunch at Big Jim’s Nursery. Thanks to Raewynn and Michael for organising this lovely garden weekend for us and the chance to catch up with our Wolseley friends.
BUSHY PARK RUN
We had a great run to Bushy Park on 29th January. It was a lovely day and we had our picnic in the shade of the trees, with tuis and kereru singing overhead. There were lots of day trampers and a museum to go through. Winton spotted an old photo of the original owners and their family with a vintage 1904 Wolseley car. Attached is a photo of the cars in front of the homestead. It has been fully restored and now runs as a bed and breakfast and cafe for afternoon teas.
On our way back to Wanganui we called in at the Windermere Berry farm where we bought strawberries and ice creams. Finally, we ended up back at Virginia Lake and had a look through the Christmas-themed winter garden and had afternoon tea at the cafe. A most enjoyable day for six of us.
Ruth Cleal
