With spring well and truly blooming, Paeroa Rotary is ready for its annual Garden Ramble.
Twenty homes and businesses in Paeroa and the surrounding rural area will open up their premises on November 18, to welcome visitors into their green spaces. And this year, there are extra activities on offer, from workshops and refreshments, to live music by twilight.
“We’re calling it a garden with a ramble,” organiser Janet Tye said.
“It’s not completely different, but an annual event can get a bit tired unless you add something back in.”
Among the new offerings are demonstrations on kokedama [Japanese moss balls] and cut flower harvesting, talks about permaculture and healthy soil, and an art exhibition. The Kerepehi Brass Band will be performing during the day, and refreshments will be available at the Ramble hub at AgriSea.
One garden will be open until 7pm, and Janet said the owner was encouraging attendees to bring a picnic and enjoy some music to round off their day.
“That gardener suggested the garden was best viewed in the evening because it’s the time when the flowers and the perfume is up the most,” she said.
Also back, by popular demand, is the former Masonic Lodge on Arney St. It was a last-minute edition, Janet said, after so many people enquired its return to the event.
Janet, whose home was part of the Ramble last year, said there was a buzz of excitement in the air leading up to the event.
“People love it so much, it’s just a lovely fundraiser,” she said.
“It raises the awareness of Rotary [and] the proceeds all go back into the community. Last year [we had] nearly 200 people – we’re hoping for that again this year.”
DETAILS: Garden Ramble, November 18 from 10am-5pm. Tickets $25, see trybooking.co.nz or call Janet 027 273 7853 for more.
