Ora Garden receives annual health check

The Taupo Museum’s famous Ora Garden received its annual health check up this week, with help from one of its designers.

Trish Waugh, who was part of the team that originally designed the award winning garden, spent a day at the museum with local gardener Jody Martin giving the garden a check-up.

“It is very interesting taking a longer view of the garden and how the challenges have evolved over time” said Ms Waugh. “For the Chelsea Flower Show, one of the criteria was to have as much in flower or in seed at the time of judging, but it is not something we’re concerned about now.”

‘Ora – Garden of Wellbeing’ was originally designed as a short term exhibit for the Chelsea Flower Show. After its purchase by Taupo Museum it became a permanent feature, which has now been at the museum for almost three years. “The garden was overplanted deliberately at the museum to give it that established look from the start” said Ms Waugh. “Already we’ve had to give it a haircut or two but that’s gardening.”

Ms Waugh complimented Ora gardener Jody Martin who works with Taupo District Council’s Bob Hutching to make decisions about plant removal and new plantings. Ms Waugh also met with the team of volunteers who help to keep the garden looking tidy throughout the year to congratulate them on their efforts.

Since its inception, the Ora garden has proved to be a popular spot, not just for visitors, but as a venue for weddings and parties. “While the garden will always look its best in spring we’re now interested in having Ora look as good as it can on a year-round basis. Most people wouldn’t notice the difference from visit to visit but I am looking at things like the diversity of plant species and colour.”