The forest in Wilton's Bush includes mature matai and rimu, as well as tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa), rewarewa and kohekohe (Drysoxylum spectabile) as well as regenerating areas where natives are re-establishing through gorse cover. The taller trees are often the home for epiphytes or perching plants, and examples of Collopsermum hastatum, a high-rise relative of the familiar Astelia can be seen. Other native climbers can also be found.
Perhaps of most interest to the gardener is the area across the Canopy Walkway from the Information Centre and behind the car park where the plant collections are held.
The 'Home Lawn' across the Canopy Walkway is a demonstration garden to show how decorative and lovely New Zealand native plants can be in a garden setting. The smooth rectangle of lawn sets off the plants: trees, shrubs and perennials selected as ideally suited to the smaller garden.
Surrounding the Home Lawn a maze of paths weaves through the plant collections. Here you can see varieties of cordyline or cabbage trees, mature and juveline lancewood (Pseudopanax sp.), species and cultivars of the vast hebe family and an impressive planting of native grasses. Olearias, coprosmas, flax (Phormium sp.), kowhai (Sophora sp.), kaka beak (Clianthus puniceus), spiky Spaniards (Aciphylla sp.) and more. Rare species from the sub-Antarctic islands and from islands in the far north are represented.
Don't mess with spiky Aciphylla squarrosa, the Spaniard
Lush, rainforest ferns thrive in the moist Fernery
A striking group of juvenile Pseudopanax ferox cluster under a mature specimen
Behind the car park a rock garden is being developed, at the time of writing it is rather new and stark. Alpines are obvious candidates for this garden and mountain daises, e.g. celmisias, and other special plants will be included here. The obvious fun of climbing of the huge rocks and the disappearance of rare plants is something that the garden's creators hope will pass as the public come to appreciate this special innovation.
Beyond the rock garden lies one of Otari's jewels- a garden planted with Chatham Islands Forget-Me-Not's (Myosotidium hortensia) that is an unforgettable sheet of blue in early summer. For the remainder of the year the spectacular foliage makes this a remarkable planting. Collections of New Zealand grass trees (Dracophyllum sp.), ferns and more tender subjects are also included here.
All of the plant collections (approximately 1200 species are held) have been grown from cuttings or seed collected in the wild. The plants are kept in a computer database and all are clearly labelled so that visitors can identify and learn about native species.
Many threatened species are held and ongoing work involves propagating plants that can later be reintroduced into the wild. The collections are often used in scientific research programmes, studies into plants, economic uses as well as classification and naming.
Education is one of the main goals of the garden, and all are clearly labelled so that visitors can identify and learn about native species. The Home Lawn is a wonderful example of growing and using natives. Guided tours are available by prior arrangement (a donation from each participant is appreciated) and a World Wildlife Fund teacher is available to take school trips through the gardens.
Our advice to the visitors- Be sure that you have your camera loaded and your notebook with you, and take your lunch for a morning is not enough!
To Visit See Otari-Wilton's Bush in the Gardens Open Pages
Contact Tel/Fax +64 4 475 3245; website: www.wcc.govt.nz
Open- Daily, daylight hours
The canopy walkway 'wharoa', or gateways, were carved by Bryce Manu of Te Ataiwa
Contact Details Otari-Wilton's Bush is open from sunrise to sunset daily (Information Centre 9.00am to 5.00pm daily)
Entrance fee: Free
How to Get there: By Bus: Take the No 14 bus from Lambton Quay to Otari-Wilton's Bush; By Car: The main car park is on Wilton Road, Wilton 5 kms from the city centre.
Facilities: WC; Wheelchair access; No café or food facilities; Coin operated barbecues in Troup Picnic Area; Dogs must be on a lead; No riding bicycles
Other: Map and guide available from the Information Centre; Guided Tours by prior arrangement (Tel +64 (4) 801 3071); WWF teacher for school groups (Tel +64 (4) 499 2930); Events: Spring Open Days and Plant Sale, Seminars and Workshops (see the Noticeboard for details)
Address: Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington, New Zealand (PO Box 2199, Wellington, NZ)
Tel/Fax: +64 (4) 475 3245; website www.wcc.govt.nz
Astelias and brachyglottis make a colourful display in the 'Home Lawn'
The information here is believed to be correct but changes do occur. There may be closures and changes to times of opening. Entrance fees may vary without notice. bestgardening.com cannot take any responsibility for any errors, changes or omissions. Visitors travelling a distance to visit a garden are advised to check opening times with the owners before setting out.
