Ayrlies Gardens, Whitford

Ayrlies Garden is an ongoing ‘labour of love’, since 1964, by owner Beverly McConnell. From its lily laden ponds to its scrupulously manicured lawns, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand’s premier privately owned gardens – an absolute haven which deserves a visit. A quick phone call in advance will secure a stroll through pure paradise.

Situated in gently rolling country east of Auckland city, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand's best known gardens. It is characterized by sweeping lawns and informal but detailed plantings and by ponds and waterways. A strong but sensitive use of colour is a hallmark of Ayrlies seen best in the Lurid Border where 'hot' colours are used to great effect and in other areas where old roses, clematis and perennials are combined in romantic profusion. Here is a seasonal garden where the owner has been challenged to have some plant at its best every week of the year keeping the horticultural and botanical interest in balance with the landscape.

Ayrlies has an almost subtropical climate which allows exotic plants such as Petrea, Alocasia, bromeliads, the flamboyant vireya rhododendrons and the exotic Ficus dammaropsis from New Guinea to flourish. Just over 40 years from a bare site, the garden is nearing maturity. Trees and shrubs form a changing backdrop for roses, perennials, bulbs and grasses while plants native to New Zealand are a strong component. A wild flower meadow is an unusual attraction in early summer. Below the garden there is a large wetland area linking the garden to the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.