Tucked away in the New Plymouth suburb of Bell Block, Tropics on Mangati is a lush and surprising tropical retreat that continues to turn heads at the garden festival. Now in her third year of opening her garden to the public, Amelia de Ridder shares how her dream became reality, what keeps her motivated, and why she believes even the smallest section can be turned into a paradise.
What made you decide to enter the festival the first time?
It had been a long-held dream to enter the festival, one which I never thought would happen. What changed? A remark while chatting with Sharolyn from Tropical Treasures and my friend Michelle: “This looks so good it would make a great festival garden.” I’m not sure who said it, but from then on it was all go.
My other garden (from 30 years ago) was 150 plus heritage roses, rhododendrons and hundreds of perennials, so I’m not sure how I ended up with 50 palms, 100s of bromeliads and a tropical garden and held on to the same dream.
What did you learn from your first experience that helped prepare for this year?
Being on my own, the first two years were hard, with months of preparation and then 10 days of festival. This year, my third year, one of my mottos is: “Work smarter, not harder.” Irrigation, ground cover, battery operated tools for pruning have made a big difference.
The first two years also reinforced my belief in the value of supporters who helped with the garden tasks I can’t do, managed the gate during the festival and those who came with gifts of food and encouragement.
Have you made any changes to your garden since joining the festival?
Me make changes, LOL. The garden has changed itself – it’s matured and the planned three tiers of layering are becoming a reality. While the hardscape and palm placement are untouched, palms and other companion plantings are now maturing. I have changed some of the bottom tiers by adding ground cover to make the garden maintenance free and adding plants to suit my own personal style. And, of course, the bromeliads march around the garden regularly to give a different look.
What sort of feedback or reactions have stood out from visitors?
Definitely the reactions and comments from visitors telling me they liked (or not liked) one plant or one part of my garden – feedback helps me look at the garden from a different perspective. And it was great hearing from repeat visitors my second year, how they had used one plant or idea from my garden. I enjoy helping others and feel my job (in creating this garden) is done!
But feedback that encouraged me most was the relaxed vibe and smiles from visitors who were enjoying the atmosphere I have worked hard to create.
Is there a moment during the festival that really affirmed your decision to enter?
Realising, from feedback and reactions that Tropics on Mangati, being a small city garden, is achievable by anyone with a small section. Or how parts of it, or even just a plant, could be used to create a relaxing area. Many visitors said they were inspired and were getting ideas of what they could do in a small space.
What are you most looking forward to this time around?
I’m looking forward to reactions to my maturing garden, meeting repeat and new visitors and hearing their stories! Enjoy complimentary tea or coffee along with Great Aunty Maureen’s shortbread on the covered decks and sharing the view.