It was the perfect canvas for our day, and we couldn’t be happier. Helen and Dean, the new owners, were excellent communicators—passionate, attentive, and genuinely excited to share their venue with us.

Hi Anne and Ron,  Thanks again for the wonderful visit and afternoon tea on the 1st February, all our residents including myself had a great time. Your garden is just beautiful, it was wonderful to see all the love and care that you both put into creating it. 

Our visit to Rapaura Watergardens was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world — a peaceful sanctuary where nature is not just preserved, but truly honoured.
The gardens are crafted with incredible care and intention. Every turn of the path reveals something beautiful: tranquil waterfalls, crystal-clear ponds, lush native plants, and perfectly placed resting spots that invite you to slow down and simply breathe. You can feel the love and vision that went into creating this place. It’s not just a walk — it’s an experience that reconnects you with stillness.
What stood out the most was the atmosphere. There is a deep sense of calm here, almost meditative. The sound of flowing water, the birds, and the surrounding forest create a natural symphony that grounds you instantly. It’s the kind of place where time disappears and you feel fully present.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and everything is maintained to the highest standards

Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful oasis with me.

It exceeded my expectations and the high tea was exquisite. You have inspired me to get on with my life projects!

"Thank you so much for giving us your time to visit your beautiful garden. Our ladies enjoyed listening to how the garden has been established. Much appreciation from Kotuku Garden Club." 

I just wanted to thank you for allowing my twin sister and me to visit your amazing property last week. What an absolute inspiration and delight you are Judy. You’ve kept that dream alive after your dear husband passed and I think it’s keeping you going!! We so enjoyed the experience, swapping our funny gardening stories and seeing your beautiful garden. The photos don’t do it justice but I created a post on my own page, The Uralla Garden. Hope you don’t mind. I used some of the photos from your website but captioned them as such.

Hope you are well and once again thank you Judy

Heartfelt thanks from both of us for the most magical weekend celebrating our "Happily Ever After". Nestled in the native bush at HUs Boutique Venue & Accommodation, our intimate ceremony with close family and friends was an absolute dream. You went above and beyond as our host, and we’re so grateful.  Check out our video reel on the HŪS website — it perfectly shows off the amazing venue and how well it accommodates a winter wedding. All our guests raved about the incredible location, magical setting, and fabulous all-round experience. We highly recommend HŪS to anyone looking for a stunning, intimate venue in Auckland.

It’s not until you tour a garden such as this that you realise how much more you can do with your own garden. Full of sculptures, art work, mirrors and flowers. There was so much to see that it was impossible to take it all in on the first round. Mary and Mark have made use of every inch of their garden. It’s a small garden and you really need at least an hour to take it all in. You will leave inspired with so many ideas. Mary answered all our questions and was very friendly and informative. Thoroughly recommend touring this garden

Recently I visited the Blue House Garden in Amberley. If you have not visited this garden before, I highly recommend it for the plant selection and layout. It has a naturalistic theme which looks effortless (but won't be!) and that is a testament to owner and garden designer Jenny. Sumptuous photos on her Facebook and Instagram.

This garden excels at texture and layering and colour. Seed pods are left for effect, special plants are showcased but the ordinary is also special. Wee pots of succulents grouped together; thuggish plants behave very politely in very drought prone parts of the garden and the contrast between simple plants looks deceptively effortless. I think you get the message that this garden rates highly with me.

"Shirley & Jon ,

What an inspiring place . Thank you so much.

Your words were so entertaining and we had many chuckles as we related to your various experiences developing the surrounding beauty.

Thank you also for our delightful morning tea which was appreciated so much.

The memory of todays visit to your beautiful home and garden " Hadleigh", will remain with us as we continue life's journey"