It is clear that a lot of hard work and planning has gone in making the garden what it is today. Some significant structures like the Great Wall, railway sleeper pathways, an old shearing shed and sculptures have added to the sense of endurance and durability.
Fishermans Bay Garden is wound into the rugged, dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline, slopes, gullies and sheltered valleys, and makes the most of the spectacular views of the ocean and coastline. The hillside has a zigzag pathway down a slope with wonderfully wide perennial borders that include toetoe, flax and chionochloa. At the bottom of the garden the pathway merges into a natural wetland, enhanced with native plantings.
A series of garden areas offer differing planting themes that reflect the New Zealand and farming settings. You will find a rengarenga walk, traditional flower borders, a herb garden, a fern garden, a shaded stream valley and pond, a wild, exposed rock garden and, of course, a farm garden. There is a surprise down every garden path at Fishermans Bay garden.
The use of grass varieties is perfect in this environment, and the movement they provide really reflects the coastline. You’ll find flax, astelia, chionochloa, Miscanthus gracilis 'Zebrina' grasses, complemented by colourful asters, monarda, Sanguisorba officinalis, thalictrums, phlox and Verbena bonariensis. The combination of structures and textures is impressive.
Astelia thrive the dry, exposed conditions and there is a great collection here, including Astelia nivicola, ‘Alpine Ruby’ and ‘Red Devil’, Astelia banksii and the giant Astelia chathamica ‘Silver Spear’.
