Te Kainga Marire, Māori for “the peaceful encampment", is a skillfully designed native inner-city garden that mimics New Zealand’s natural environment.

Situated in a once weedy New Plymouth valley, Te Kainga Marire is recognised as one of New Zealand’s five Gardens of International Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

In 1972, Valda Poletti and Dave Clarkson began their battle with half an acre of clay, kikuyu grass, gorse, fennel and blackberry. In an area of old pā sites, they built their own home – a “posh hut” designed to blend into the landscape.

Keen outdoor adventurers, the couple wanted a bird-friendly garden designed around the ecological groupings they had observed in the wild. Grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees have been nurtured around rustic fences, a pond, a colonial bush hut and a cool, fern-filled whare.

Carefully planned native plantings on the property were designed to increase the number of tūī and other native manu/birds. Opened to the public in 1990, the garden wraps around the family home and sits between a coastal swamp forest remnant and pā site, opening onto the neighbouring river reserve and Te Henui Walkway.

This is a harmonious garden that weaves subtle textures and colours with quirky forms. Lush ferns, wetland plants, alpine treasures and native trees make up a microcosm of the New Zealand landscape.

Te Kainga Marire was selected for inclusion in the prestigious BBC documentary Around the World in 80 Gardens. Entry to Te Kainga Marire is $10. Please note, there are no EFTPOS or credit card facilities available.

 

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