Arriving at June and Colin Lees property, the 150 metre drive is an enticing entrance to one of Taranaki’s most beautiful gardens.
Lined with an eclectic array of trees it is very different from 50 years ago when June, as a young bride arrived at Colin’s family home. Back then there was one lone tree on the farm, but this has morphed into a beautiful garden with many mature trees. The inviting drive way has liquid amber, crab apple, golden elm, copper beech, silver dollar, pin oaks and a large magnolia creating a colourful and impressive entrance to the garden.
Managing the garden is a full time job for June who spends about 30 hours a week in the garden, weeding or up a ladder pruning. Colin gives her a hand cleaning up and mowing the lawns when he’s not on the farm. He’s a busy man too and is still managing the farm which has been in the family for 110 years. While the days of dairy farming are over he grazes up to 400 heifers, owned by other farmers. They typically arrive at the farm as one year olds and leave as two year olds, pregnant. Colin moves the stock daily, feeds out when necessary and liaises with the stock owners.