Virginia Winder speaks with Jenny Oakley from Oakley Garden in Manaia, which has been part of the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival since it began 38 years ago.
Jenny shares what inspires her to return each year, some unforgettable moments along the way, and her advice for those thinking about joining the festival.
What keeps you coming back to the festival year after year?
We have many reasons for opening each year, so I’m only listing a few: Spring is a beautiful time in NZ gardens and it is a joy to share the garden with like-minded people. We are really lucky to have an exceptional team of helpers and we have a great time together. Each year the amazing garden visitors come from all around NZ and beyond. They are happy and relaxed and enjoying themselves. That’s pretty special.
How has your garden evolved since your first time opening?
There have been many many changes in the garden since we first opened but the biggest change would be the maturity of the trees and height of the much-needed shelter belts so we have a lot more shaded areas.
What’s one unforgettable moment you’ve had with a visitor?
A lovely gentleman came up to me one day and said, “I hope you know how much joy you have given to so many people by sharing your garden.” I thought that was lovely.
Will we see any new features or changed areas in your garden this year?
There has been some quite severe cutting back of shelter belts that has changed the sense of space in the garden and created more light this year.
Is there a plant or feature in your garden that holds special meaning for you?
Forty-two years ago I was given a pot of Xeronema callistemon, (Poor Knights lily). At that time they were quite rare so it was very special. Most of the many plants we have now come from that one plant and we are now spoilt with the show of many flowers each year.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the festival?
When all the hard work is done, enjoy the visitors, ask them where they are from and you will learn all sorts of things from their stories. They will probably tell you all about their garden.
Opening your garden for the festival is a way to give a little back to the community and province. Bringing visitors to the region is great for the economy and helps to showcase Taranaki. Many visitors say they have never been to Taranaki and love the scenery and friendly hospitality of the gardeners. The TAFT team offer great support to the gardeners and we are very lucky that the “admin” is all taken out of our hands. We just provide the gardens!