ABOUT THE GARDEN
Finding Inspiration at Every Turn
Fishermans Bay Garden is a haven in the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline. The structure and texture of New Zealand native plants combined with a diverse array of non-native plants are used to create a truly New Zealand ambience. Winding paths and a varied landscape have inspired a garden with many parts, including a traditional flower border, herb garden, farm garden, fern garden, a shaded stream-side valley and exposed rock garden.
An extensive variety of locally sourced native plant species offer visitors a unique snapshot of the rich and varied plants of Banks Peninsula. There is a large collection of New Zealand Hebes as well as many other native plants. While native plants are always at the core of the garden there are large areas of perennial plantings influenced by Northern Hemisphere landscaping
The garden has been landscaped integrating old farm buildings such as the woolshed which now houses our visitor area and a place to sit and enjoy tea and coffee. We have also included some playful elements around the garden including ‘Herbina’ the corrugated cow that overlooks the bay and welcomes visitors to the garden.
​
In recent years I have been adding non native plants from similar ecological niches to some parts of the native plantings. This is a work in progress and will evolve with time into a blend incorporating many natives with plants from all over the world. My intention is to create plantings that require little intervention because they are compatible with our native plants adding flower or foliage interest throughout the year.