Maryanne Calver's Rural Garden a Highlight of Katikati Garden Ramble

One of the standout properties on this year's Katikati Garden Ramble is Maryanne Calver's rural retreat on LindemanRoad, just north of Katikati, which will open its gates to the public on 8–9 November as part of the annual charity event organised by the local Rotary club. Nineteen gardens across the Katikati district will be open from 9am to 5pm both days, stretching from Knyvett Road near Aongatete through to Athenree Road north of town.

Calver's garden is notable for its sweeping views across farmland and the northern reaches of Tauranga Harbour — something she says draws many visitors. She began shaping the garden around 30 years ago, using polythene pipe to map out its curved layout and redesigning the driveway so it sweeps into the property rather than running straight off the road. A pergola draped in grapevine now sits below the house alongside a brick courtyard and rosemary bush.

Many of the early plantings came from throw-out bins at local garden centres, but the garden has matured considerably since then. Highlights today include a striking Magnolia 'Star Wars', a lone kauri, and a 25-year-old cherry tree with sprawling, gnarled branches. Calver now has an arborist visit annually to manage the trees she admits she got a little carried away planting in the early years. The garden is laid out in a series of distinct 'rooms', making it difficult to single out a favourite spot.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).