We welcome visitors. Buses are catered for as well as large and small groups. Nursery and Gardens are partly wheel chair accessible as paths move around hillside.

There are interesting plants in flower all year. If anyone wants information on any please email me.If you notice a wrong name please also let me know. Some of the plants growing are available as seed, cuttings or divisions.

What is Happening at Wharepuke

December 2006.

We have changed direction at Wharepuke.

I am no longer growing container plants and am spending more time making the gardens more interesting. I'm even hopefully getting on top of the weeds.I have got much of the sunken, dry-climate garden done this year and have planted out manyof the interesting succulents I have had waiting.

We have moved the old Lynfield Community Hall from Auckland into the garden and it has now been renovated. This is being used for a variety of events, some passive, some active such as poetry reading, plays, plant displays, art shows, meetings etc etc. Bookings are now being taken for anyone who wishes to use it.

We are now starting to use the garden for day and evening performances, weddings, sculpture shows and other happenings. The hall will give a backup if it is wet.

We are also catering for tours, bus and smaller groups so our commercial kitchen is now operating. As well.we are able to run horticultural and art and print courses on the site conducted by highly qualified members of the family and outsiders.

The entranceway to The Venue

The five accommodation units are now ready to run and will provide accommodation for those who want to stay in the garden and experience the subtropical atmosphere we have created here. The units will also provide accommodation for those involved in courses being run . Being so close to the historical Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone Store will be an added attraction for our guests as it is an easy walk to the area.

So we have had a busy year and change has happed.

Subtropical Garden

a special place in the Bay of Islands

Subtropical Garden to visit.

Musa coccinea gives great colour all the year round

A sub-tropical garden in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands,New Zealand.

Garden Tours

A collection of generally warm climate plants, originating from many different countries, ranging from arid climate succulents to rainforest trees,

many rare and uncommon plants seldom seen in New Zealand.

I have a special interest in sub-tropical fruiting plants, dry climate plants, bromeliads and insectiverous plants.

Escorted Garden Tours

Tama and Matai

For anyone who is interested in different and unusual plants I will take you on a descriptive garden ramble. I have found it very interesting too, as I have heard about other peoples interests in plants and made new contacts for the introduction of plants I don't have.

The leisurely walk takes about two hours ( though one walk went well over that) and you get the opportunity to try different fruit that are ripe at the time and you can usually end up with a cutting or two as a bonus.

Different plants are at their best at different times so that there is always something of pleasure to see.

Give me a ring and we will try to make a time to suit us all. Minimum of two persons to start and the maximum number is eight persons at a time so that everyone has a chance to hear and be heard.

Cost is $25 per person, children are free and have the advantage of having Matai, the very friendly Jack Russell, to fetch and play with them. Booking is essential, phone me at 09 407 8933

Plant sales

We no longer have a container grown retail area but we can supply cuttings, seeds or divisions of plants that you may be looking for.

Many plants can be viewed in their mature form in the garden allowing you to see how they can fit into your garden design.

We offer a selection of fruiting and ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials suited to nearly frost free situations.

I am also able to supply a range of sizes for landscaping including large Dracaena draco (Dragon tree) and Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytails.)

Accommodation Available

If you wish to stay in our Subtropical Garden we have five comfortable self contained cottages available for your stay. Just click on Subtropical Accommodation to be taken to the website.

Searching the Net for Plants

Carica quercifolia fruit.

If you have a computer and are connected to the internet the plant information world is at your fingertips! If you haven't done it before it is pretty straight forward.

Once you are connected to the net go to your favourite search engine, then type in the scientific name of the plant you wish to find out about, enclose with speech marks e.g. "Heliconia subulata" then hit Search and wait a few moments.

In 2001 this gave 19 references, in 2005 213 references. Putting in "Pittosporum tenuifolium" gave 29 sites in 2001, in 2005 about13,500 sites. Note that the ones that are listed first usually hold the most information.

One of the main points to watch is that these references are not necessarily scientific but what an individual puts up and thinks is right. If it is a University or scientific site it should be correct; compare sites and use common sense and come to your own conclusion.

Now all you need is many free hours and you can immerse yourself in the world of plants.

If you have a query or have something interesting to say, just get in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Robin.

Contact us at Wharepuke Subtropical Garden and Nursery:
Ph 0064-9-407-8933 Fax 0064-9-407-8975
190 Kerikeri Rd., Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand.
email: wharepuke@xtra.co.nz