Author Description

"A guide to New Zealand gardens of national and regional significance. In all, 64 gardens are listed, 44 in the North Island and 20 in the South Island. The gardens featured have been visited by a team of NZ Gardens Trust assessors, working to a rigorous set of standards. Factors considered include hard landscaping and design, plant material and its use and association, maintenance, safety and ornamentation. The assessors also look for creativity and attention to detail, and whether the garden has that extra star quality. Judging gardens, like judging any art form, is a difficult task. There is a description and a single colour photo of each garden that has been selected, along with opening times, whether there is an admission fee and contact details. A very useful little book to keep in the car, as there are some gardens included that you will not have heard of"--Publisher's description.