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There’s something rather magical about a garden that has had 40 years to grow into itself. Trees reach for the sky, birds make themselves at home, and paths invite you to slow down and discover what lies around the next bend. At Greenwood Park retirement village in Tauranga, that magic is about to be shared with the public.

From November 19-22, Greenwood Park will open its established gardens and 1.8km Quail Trail as part of the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival, joining Palmers Bethlehem as a joint sponsor of the Garden and Art Trail.

The original main garden, designed by landscape architect Wendy Davies in the late 1980s, has matured beautifully, bringing elegance to the central pergola and covered walkway, now enclosed by a rich variety of trees, shrubs and roses.

Younger plantings complement the mature landscape, providing a wonderful variety for garden lovers to explore around the established fishpond.

Maturity, diversity

Head gardener Claire Masters, who leads a team of five, said it is the maturity and diversity of the gardens that make them special. “It’s testament that good design stands the test of time,” she said.

Master’s favourite part is the abundant birdlife.

She recalls pruning a shrub during her first week at Greenwood Park when a tūī fed on a nearby bottlebrush, just a metre away, seemingly unconcerned by her presence. It’s a lovely reminder that, in this peaceful haven, people and nature share the space.

Quail trail

And then there’s the Quail Trail, a bush walk through native trees and wetlands beside the Kaitemako Stream. Revegetated by residents and gardeners over four decades, it is now home to tūī, fantails, kererū and quail, with ferns, fungi and fascinating insect life adding to its hidden wonders.

The trail’s name is no accident, said Greenwood Park resident experience manager Mica Nomell.

Greenwood Park’s resident experience manager Mica Nommell and head gardener Claire Masters will open their 1.8km Quail Trail to the public as part of the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“We have the Quail Trail open for all to walk throughout the festival, as well as our well established and beautiful rose gardens with a large pond.”

Art adds another layer of discovery, with works by local artists Christie Cramer, Maureen Fell and Monica Zapater on display. Visitors can also stop at the village café for coffee or lunch.

For an extra-special experience, join renowned bug enthusiast Ruud Kleinpaste for a guided Quail Trail walk at 10.30am on November 21. No booking is required.

Thanks to Bayleys, principal partner of the Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival, sometimes the best discoveries are found when we take our time. Greenwood Park offers four days to wander, wonder and enjoy a little garden magic.

Tickets to the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival, November 19-22, are available at Palmers Bethlehem, Décor Gardenworld, i-site Tauranga, Pacifica Garden Centre, Te Puke Florist, The Art Junction Katikati or online at www.gardenandartfestival.co.nz

Win With The Sun

The Weekend Sun has two Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival Multi-Day Festival Passes to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us the name of the landscape architect who designed the original garden at Greenwood Park?

Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz by Tuesday, October 20.