Events

November

NORTH ISLAND
3rd: Farm to Table Dinner at Pakaraka Permaculture – Coromandel Peninsula
Join the crew at this off-grid farm, near Thames, for a special evening dining of food straight from the organic market garden.
Pre-dinner garden tour 5.30pm, dinner from 7pm. $100. Tickets www.pakarakafarm.co.nz

3rd-4th: Festival of Flowers and Franklin Rose Show – Waiuku
Enjoy lunch or a cuppa surrounded by the rose show displays in the church, then head to the hall for Focus on Franklin displays, plus trading tables.
Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm. St Andrews Centre, cnr Queen and Kirk streets, Waiuku. Entry $5. Contact Alison 09 235 0866.

4th: Bay of Plenty Spring Rose Show – Tauranga
11am-4pm. Greerton Hall, 1263 Cameron Rd, Greerton.
Entry $3, children free.
Contact Judy 07 573 6525.

4th-5th: Rose and Iris Show – Gisborne
Support the Poverty Bay Horticultural Society as it hosts its annual rose and iris show.
Sat 1.30pm-4pm, Sun 9.30am-3.30pm. Farmers Air Showground Events Centre, 20 Main Rd, Makaraka. Contact pbhort@hotmail.com.

5th: 22nd Altrusa Home and Garden Ramble – Te Awamutu
Join the Altrusa Club’s annual fundraising ramble around many beautiful homes and gardens. 
9.30am-4pm. Tickets $25 from Te Awamutu i-SITE, 1 Gorst Ave. Contact 07 871 3259.

9th-12th: Pacific Rose Bowl Festival – Hamilton
Admire the Rogers Rose Garden and cast your vote for the 2017 New Zealand Rose of the Year.
10am-5pm. Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Dr. Free.

10th-12th: Rotorua Festival of Gardens – Rotorua
Explore tiny town gardens to large rural properties at this biennial event. More than 40 gardens.
Tickets $30 for three-day pass, children free, including map and guide, rotoruagardens.org.nz.

11th: 86th Annual Papatoetoe Rose & Floral Art Open Show – Auckland
Enjoy the yearly Garden & Floral Art Society show of cut flowers, floral art, and afternoon teas.
10am-3.30pm. Wesley Methodist Church Hall, 37 Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe. Free.
Contact Glenis 09 278 7853.

11th-12th: Waikato Rose Society Show – Hamilton
Browse the blooms and plenty of trade stands, plus plant sales and raffles, in conjunction with the Pacific Rose Bowl Festival.
Sat noon–5pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm. Hamilton Gardens Pavilion, Cobham Dr. Entry $5, Gold Card holders $2.50, under 16s free. Contact Eileen 07 854 7856.

11th-12th: Hutt Valley Horticultural Society Rose Show – Lower Hutt
Featuring roses galore, displays of many others plants, and sales of arts and craft plus plants. 
Sat noon-4pm, Sun 10am-3.30pm. Dowse Art Gallery, Lower Hutt. Contact 04 567 3333.

12th: QuarryFest - Tauranga

The Quarry's own giant garden sale with craft and produce stalls, orchids, butterfly house, food and drinks, abseiling and other family fun.

10am-4pm. Quarry Road, Te Puna. Entry $2. www.quarrypark.org.nz  

17th: Rose and Flower Show 2017 – Warkworth
Check out the best spring blooms at Warkworth & District’s annual show, with prize giving at 1pm.
Noon-5pm. Warkworth Town Hall, cnr Neville and Alnwick streets. Entry $2.
www.warkworthgardenclub.com

18th Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair - Manawatu

180 quality stalls selling designer Christmas gifts, clothing, home baked goodies, toys, jewellery and, of course, plants.

9am-4pm, 4km north of Kimbolton. $15, under 16s free. www.crosshills.co.nz

18th: Greytown Lioness Club Garden Ramble - Wairarapa

Visit 10 private gardens in Greytown and enjoy morning or afternoon tea along the way on this fundraiser for the Greytown Little Theatre.

10.00am-5.00pm. Tickets $25 from the Village Art Shop, Main St, Greytown or phone Maureen on 06 304 9782 or Val 06 379 8329.

18th: Rhododendron Auckland Garden Tour – Auckland
Tour of Auckland gardens, followed by afternoon tea and the society’s AGM. Contact Robyn 09 524 0241.

18th-19th: 2017 National Spring Rose Show – Whangarei
Get into the spirit of the Glitz & Glamour theme at the annual Northland Rose Society show or join tours departing 10am Saturday or 9am Sunday.
Sat noon-4.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Forum North, Rust Ave. Entry $4. Contact 09 435 2459.

18-19th: Christmas Garden Festival at Highwic - Auckland

Enjoy free entry to enjoy the stalls and garden-themed attractions at this year's annual Christmas celebration.

Highwic, Mortimer Pass (off Gillies Ave), Newmarket. 10am-4pm. www.highwic.co.nz

25th-26th: Manawatu Spring Rose Show – Palmerston North
The 70th Manawatu Rose Show will feature floral art and other classes for flowers, foliage and fruit, plants for sale, raffles and refreshments.
Sat noon-4pm, Sun 9.30am-3pm. Community Leisure Centre,
569 Ferguson St. Free.
Contact Peter 06 358 0071.

25th-26th: Auckland Garden DesignFest – Auckland
View up to 20 private gardens designed by New Zealand’s top designers and meet the talent behind them.
10am-4pm. Various locations. $65. gardendesignfest.co.nz

25-26th: Spectacle by Nature - Great Barrier Island

A weekend of guided tours, rose festival, art exhibition and a gardeners' dinner on spectaculr Great Barrier Island.

Great Barrier Island. $75-95. www.thebarrier.co.nz/gardentour

29th-3rd Dec: New Zealand Flower & Garden Show – Auckland
Auckland plays host to the first North Island-based international flower and garden show since the Ellerslie International Flower Show moved to Christchurch in 2008.
10am-6pm. Auckland Trusts Arena, 65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson.
nzflowergardenshow.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND
1st: Geraldine Garden Tour – Geraldine
Tour by coach to three expansive garden estates in full spring splendour, including coach travel, morning tea and a gourmet lunch. 
8am-6pm. Geraldine. $135. Tickets www.chsgardens.co.nz/geraldine-day-tour

3rd: HortTalk: Many Hands Make Light Work – Dunedin
Speakers from Community Conservation Groups discuss Dunedin’s history of successful conservation programmes.
Noon-1pm. Dunedin Botanic Garden, Opoho Rd. Free.

5th: Southland Rhododendron Festival – Gore
See the display of rhododendron blooms and enjoy live music, kids entertainment, and plant stalls.
11am-4pm. Gore Gardens. Free. Contact Jayne on 027 369 4992.

5th: Terrace Station Spring Open Garden Day – Hororata
See early summer flowers as they replace the spring blooms in the gardens of this historic station.   
11am-3pm. Entry $5, children free. www.terracestation.org.nz

​6th-7th: Trends in Home Landscaping talk - Christchurch

Canterbury Horticultural Society's November speaker is Hamish Fig from Fig Landscapes about Trends in Home Landscaping​. 

Monday 7-9pm, Repeated Tuesday 9.45-11.45am. Christchurch Bridge Club, 21 Nova Place.5 includes light refreshments, www.chsgardens.co.nz

9th: Flowerworks Margaret Watling Memorial Demonstration – Christchurch

Floral designers Shirley Russ and Annette Waller demonstrate their skills as they sit the New Zealand Floral Decorators exam.
7pm-9.30pm. Main Auditorium, The Piano, Centre for Music and the Arts, 156 Armagh St. $40. www.chsgardens.co.nz/flowerworks 

9th-12th: Garden Marlborough 2017 – Blenheim
Fergus Garrett, head gardener at England’s world-famous Great Dixter, headlines the four-day event, which features workshops, tours and the final day garden fete.
From 8am daily. Garden Marlborough, 92 High St.
www.gardenmarlborough.co.nz

25th-26th: Wigram Lions Charity Garden Tour – Christchurch
Day tour of seven stunning gardens on either Saturday or Sunday, including coach travel, Canterbury Horticultural Society guide, morning tea, and lunch at Oderings Secret Garden Café.
9.15am-5pm. Pick-up Horncastle Arena or Halswell Library (9.35am). $95. chsgardens.co.nz/lions-tour

26th: Ohoka Garden Tour and Fete – North Canterbury
Six of Ohoka’s finest gardens will be opened to the public and the associated school fete is a must.
10am-4pm. Ohoka Primary School, 263 Jacksons Rd. $25 pre-purchased, $30 on day. Tickets www.ohokagardentour.co.nz

26th: Gardens of Sumner – Christchurch
Take the opportunity to tour 11 very different gardens in Sumner and Redcliffs and/or take part in composting, bees in trees or espalier workshops.
10am–4pm. Sumner Beach, Esplanade. $30–60. Tickets www.eventfinda.co.nz

26th: Governors Bay House and Garden Tour – Banks Peninsula
A fabulous day touring renowned gardens and private homes around Governors Bay.
10am-4pm. Governors Bay. $50. Tickets www.governorsbay.school.nz/hgt 

October

1st:Waikato Orchid Society Show and Plant Extravaganza - Hamilton

View a vibrant display of orchids along with sales tables and many other plant varieties. 9am-3pm. Hamilton Gardens Pavillion off Cobham Dr. Entry free. Contact Russell 022 3545 373. 

1st: Manawatu Orchid Society Spring Show - Palmerston North

Featuring orchid exhibits, orchid plant and sundry sales, raffles, and refreshments. 10am-4pm. Community Leisure Centre, Ferguson St. Contact (06) 358 3962.

1st: Clivia Show - Tauranga

Noon-4pm. Te Puna Quarry Park, 108 Te Puna Quarry Rd. 

1st: Alzheimer's South Canterbury Spring Glory Extravaganza - Timaru

Featuring food, plant and other stalls, along with a bouncy castle, and sand saucer competition for the children. Entry gold coin donation. Supported by Coolpack Coolstores and Port FM. 9am-4pm. Timaru Botanic Gardens, Queen St. Contact Joy (03) 688 9888. 

6th-7th: Bay of Islands Orchid Society and Far North Bromelid Group Spring Show - Kerikeri

These two groups are coming together for their spring show, which will feature quality plants for sale, as well as raffles. Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-3.30pm. Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Rd. Entry $4, under-12s free. Contact (09) 407 3424.

6th-8th: National and Local Bonsai Exhibition - Dunedin

Otago Bonsai is hosting the event, which runs in conjunction with Dunedin's National Bonsai Convention. Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm. $5 entry. Kaikorai Valley College. www.otagobonsai.co.nz 

7th: Clivia Show - Palmerston North

10am-3pm. Hokowhitu School Hall, 227 Albert St. 

8th: Terrace Station Spring Open Garden Day - Hororata

Daffodils and bluebells abound in the informal garden and 15 hectares of woodland. A newly developed walkway highlights 150 year old trees. Woodland plants for sale, bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. 11am-3pm. Signposted from Hororata roundabout. $5 entry fee goes to the Terrace Station Charitable Trust. Children free. www.terracestation.org.nz

8th: Ellesmere Spring Fling - Christchurch

Enjoy a relaxing day in David Hobbs' beautiful Broadfields Garden with entertainment, stalls, garden tours and more. 100% of the proceeds go to Lincoln Community Care. 11am-4pm. Broadfield Garden, 250 Selwyn Rd, Prebbleton. Adults $20, children free. Contact (03) 325 2007.

14th: Rhododendron Auckland Garden Tour - Auckland

Bus tour of Hamilton Gardens and a private garden. Morning tea and lunch provided. For itinerary cost details, contact Robyn (09) 524 0241.

14th-15th: Motueka Garden Trail - Motueka

Motueka's spring gardens will be on vibrant display during the annual Motueka Spring Garden Trail. $15 for weekend pass. motuekadistricttoylibrary@gmail.com 

September

2nd: Howick Horticultural Society Spring Show – Auckland

Spring show featuring daffodils, camellias, floral art, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables, plant sales, and raffles. Presentation of awards at 2pm. 10.30am-3pm. New Fencible Lounge (adjacent to Howick Library), Uxbridge Rd. Contact (09) 535 4769.

2nd: Hawera Horticultural Society Spring Floral Show - Hawera

Entries open to all, sales tables and afternoon tea available. 12.30-5pm. Hawera Community Centre. Contact Lyn (06) 278 9182.  

2nd: Snells Beach Garden Circle Spring Show - Auckland

Free admission, plant stalls, raffles, and afternoon tea. 1-3.30pm. Mahurangi East Community Centre, Hamatana Rd. Contact Barbara (09) 425 5371. 

4th & 5th: All About Gardening - Christchurch

Enjoy informative talks by two guest speakers. 9.45am. Christchurch Bridge Club, 21 Nova Pl. $5 (CHS members free), includes tea and coffee. chsgardens.co.nz

8th-9th: Kerikeri Garden Club Spring Flower Show - Kerikeri

Featuring guest artist Sandy Wright, painter of native birds, flora and fauna. Enjoy floral art and crafts, trading tables, plant sales and raffles. Fri 1.30-5pm, Sat 9am-3.30pm. Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Rd. Adults $3, children $1, families $5. Contact Wendy (09) 407 1474. 

8th-9th: Westport Garden Club Spring Show - Westport

Join the club as they celebrate a season's growing with their spring show. Fri 10.30-4.30pm, Sat 10am-12.30pm. Phelan Hall, Brougham St. Gold coin entry. Contact Anne (03) 789 8213.

9th: Drawing Property and Landscape Designs by Hand - Tauranga

Former landscape designer Trish Waugh will teach you essential skills to help you design for your own outdoor space. 1.30-3.30pm. $65. Plenty Permaculture Education Studio, 375 Whakamarama Rd. Contact Catherine 027 240 1305.

9th: Riccarton Horticultural Society Spring Show - Christchurch

Enjoy the displays of daffodils, cut flowers, floral art and home produce. Also features sales tables, refreshements and raffles. 12.30-4.30pm. St. Peter's Church Hall, Upper Riccarton. Contact Beverley (03) 960 3381.

9th-10th: 91st Annual North Island National Daffodil Society Show - Gisborne

Hosted by the Poverty Bay Horticultural Society. Sat 1.30-4pm, Sun 9.30am-3.30pm. Showground Events Centre. Adults $5, under-12s free. 

15th-17th: Hawke's Bay Home & Garden Show - Napier

Meet Cat and Jeremy from The Block NZ, discover the latest ideas, and get expert advice. Fri and Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. McLean Park, Latham St. Adults $7, seniors $3.50 (Friday only), under-16s free. 

16th: New Zealand Alpine Garden Combined Spring Show - Christchurch

Online prize, plenty of free parking, specialist plant sales. 1-4pm. Woolston Club, 43 Hargood St. $5 entry. 

20th: Rhododendron Auckland Guest Speaker - Auckland

Come and enjoy and guest speaker presentation, with supper provided. 7.30pm. St. Aiden's Social Lounge, Remuera. Contact Robyn (09) 524 0241.  

22nd-24th: Wellington Home & Garden Show - Wellington

Discover the latest ideas and get expert advice. Ask resident builder Peter Wolfkamp your home improvement questions. 10am-5pm. Westpac Stadium, Waterloo Quay. Adults $8, seniors $4 (Friday only), under-16s free. 

22nd-24th: Tauranga Orchid Show - Tauranga

Enjoy displays of flowering plants, potting demonstrations, plants for sale, growing adice, and raffles. 10am-4pm. Tauranga Racecourse. Cameron Rd, Greerton. Entry $3, under-12s free. taurangaorchids@wordpress.com

22nd-24th: Managing a House Cow - Tirau

Gain the skills and confidence needed to manage a cow. 7 Puketirau Rd. $250 per person, or $400 per couple. Bookings essential. Contact (07) 883 1898. 

23rd-24th: National Daffodil Show - Nelson

Join the Brightwater Horticultural Society in celebrating daffodils. The show features plant, produce and cake stalls, floral art, raffles, and afternoon tea. Sat 1.30-4.30pm, Sun 9.30am-3.45pm. Hope Hall, Main Rd. Adults $4, children free. Contact (03) 526 8847. 

23rd-24th: North Otago Horticultural and Orchid Societies Grand Spring Flower Show - Oamaru

The two societies are joining forces for this special event. Enjoy the best of spring's floral offerings. Sat 2-4pm, Sun 11.30am-4pm. Scottish Hall, Tyne St. Entry $3. Contact Reg (03) 434 5575. 

24th: Pakaraka Farm Tour - Thames

Use this opportunity to see permaculture in action. 9am-noon. Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel Peninsula, $50. Bookings essential. www.pakarakafarm.co.nz

28th: Balclutha Flower Festival - Balclutha

Featuring floral art, daffodils, cut flowers, photography, children's sections, plants and bulb sales, raffles, and afternoon tea. 12-5pm. Balclutha War Memorial Hall, 4 Clyde St. Entry $3, children free. Contact Helen (03) 418 1083. 

29th-1st: Nelson Home & Garden Show - Stoke

Meet Cat & Jeremy from The Block NZ, discover the latest ideas, and get expert advice. 10am-5pm. Saxton Stadium, 142 Saxton Rd East, Stoke. Adults $7, seniors $3.50 (Friday only), under-16s free. 

30th: Alzheimer's South Canterbury Spring Glory Garden Walks - Timaru

Join the members of Alzheimer's South Canterbury on walks around several small Timaru gardens. 10am-4pm. Tickets $25, available from Community House, Fashion Focus and Shoebox Outlet. Gate sales available. Contact (03) 688 9888. 

30th: Nelson Orchid Society Annual Show - Stoke

Featuring displays, potting demonstrations and sales tables. Stoke Primary School, Main Stoke Rd. Contact Gaile 027 818 1458. 

30th: Kapiti Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show - Paraparaumu

Enjoy the flower show, plus plant sales, raffles, and afternoon tea (with a small charge). 12-4pm. Kapiti Community Centre, 15 Ngahina St. Donation for admission. Contact Fay (04) 905 3525. 

30th: Auckland Clivia Show - Auckland

9am-3pm. Auckland Botanical Gardens, 102 Hill Rd. 

30th: Manawatu Orchid Society Spring Show - Palmerston North

Enjoy the orchid exhibits of this year's spring show, along with plant sales, raffles and refreshments. 10am-4pm. Community Leisure Centre, Ferguson St. Contact (06) 358 3962. 

21st: Canterbury Dahlia Circle and Christchurch Crysanthemum Circle Plant Sale - Christchurch

Plant sales and tubers will be for sale for $4 each or 3 for $10. 9am-noon. St. Peter's Church grounds, Church Corner, Upper Riccarton. 

27th: Marsden Bay Garden Club Flower Show and Garden Ramble - Whangarei

Featuring stalls, refreshments and raffles. Fri noon-3.30pm, Sat 9am-2.30pm. Ruakaka Memorial Hall, Cnr Sandford Rd and SH1. Ramble $10, Sat 9am-2pm. Entry $2, children free. Tickets available at hall. Contact (09) 432 8068. 

27th-29th: Auckland Better Home & Living Show: Auckland

Ask resident builder Peter Wolfkamp your home improvement questions. 10am-5pm. North Shore Events Centre, Glenfield. Adults $5, seniors $2.50 (Friday only), under-16s free. Find on Facebook: "Home and Garden Shows".

27th-5th: Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival - Taranaki

This 10-day event will be running at garden locations around the region. Entry $2. Contact (06) 752 7531. 

28th: West Harbour Garden Trail - Dunedin

Tickets with maps for sale on the day, $15, ticket includes Devonshire tea. BBQ 11.30am-2pm. Home baking, plant and produce stalls and raffles. 11am-4.30pm. Emmanuel Church Hall, Station Rd, Sawyers Bay. Contact Shirley (03) 471 0690.

29th: Ohoka School Plant Sale - Christchurch

Over 15,000 plants for sale, starting at $2 and including hedging, natives, grasses, trees, perennials, edibles, and flower & vegetable seedlings. Bring a trailer! 10am-1pm. Ohoka School, Jacksons Rd, Ohoka. Free entry. Find on Facebook "Ohoka School Plant Sale".