New Friends on agenda at Hollards

A public gathering at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, next Friday (25 November) will mark a new phase at the heritage property, which was refurbished and relaunched three years ago.

The Volunteer Recruitment Day will lay the groundwork for the formation of a Friends of Hollard Gardens group, giving the public a chance to be more involved with the world-renowned plant collection founded by dairy farmers Bernie and Rose Hollard.

“It’s the next step for Hollards,” says Greg Rine, Regional Gardens Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council, which owns and administers the property on behalf of the people of the region.

“The refurbishment was in keeping with Bernie’s vision, and also allowed us to weave his story into the garden visitor’s experience. And in the past few years we’ve established a solid programme of free events, most notably the practical and popular workshops based on Bernie’s Home Garden.

“Now we want to give people an opportunity to be more involved with this unique property, to be part of its story. It’s a chance to learn even more about the passion and determination that drove Bernard Hollard, and how he built such a fascinating and diverse collection of beautiful plants.”

Friends of Hollard Gardens will have opportunities to be involved in a range of activity including assisting in the gardens, helping with garden workshops and other events, hosting and guiding visitors, and promoting the property throughout the region.

The Volunteer Recruitment Day will run from 10am to 3pm and will include a garden walk and talk, and lunch. Please register forr attendance by emailing regional.gardens@trc.govt.nz, or call 0800 736 222 and ask to speak to Georgie or Greg.