Greenhaugh Gardens surround a colonial homestead built-in 1874. A background of mature trees including horse chestnut, ginkgo, liquid amber, linden and copper beech frame five acres of expansive gardens. Nearer the house, box hedges curb the romantic exuberance of Austin and old roses, perennials and self-seeding annuals. The pergola, clad with wisteria, rambling roses and clematis leads through a profusion of colourful bearded iris and lilies to the 'creek bed' and Mediterranean gardens. Here, shell rock paths meander through gay drifts of poppies, achillea and geranium. Wooden bridges cross the ponds which are edged with ladies mantle, euphorbia and towering grasses. Beyond lies the calm of the treed areas.
Greenhaugh changes with the seasons. Late winter, the first snowdrops herald the imminent spring profusion of Hellebore, trillium, primula, crocus and scilla. Daffodils, many planted in the 1940s, light up the gardens followed by an explosion of roses, clematis and bearded iris. Midsummer, gentler swathes of alstroemerias, thalictrum, monarda, penstemon and Shasta crowd the beds before the final riot of salvia, anemone japonica and Michaelmas.
In the shelter of the house giant taro thrives; also cannas, banana and crinum.
The filtered woodland is home to Arisaema, cimicifuga, rodgersias and a kaleidoscope of clivia.
These plants and many more can be found for sale in the Nursery.

The Giraffe House is available for your use either as a resting or picnic place when you are visiting the garden - no extra charge. Organise a catered birthday party, High Tea or lunch. Seating at the tables for 48. The couches will take another 12.

I came to live at Greenhaugh with my husband Les in 1978 where I could indulge in my love of gardening and plants. Animals also. I began gardening in earnest at Greenhaugh in the early '80s when my youngest child started school. This coincided with a visit to Britain and Sissinghurst. Over the next few years, the garden grew from my parents-in-law's half-acre to five acres. With the assistance of two local gardeners - Janet Wilson and Colin Mahy- now firm friends, Greenhaugh evolved. Many other hands have helped over the years, all leaving their mark. Our three children earned pocket money mowing lawns and doing the edges. My husband had the eye for creating terraces and fluid garden shapes. I know the plants and fill the canvas with colour.

The two-hectare semi-formal gardens have been developed over the past forty years.

In the Spring you may get to feed a lamb.

Cafes, the Manawatu Gorge walk and windmills nearby.