Taranaki Regional Council media release
27 May 2008

Fine Home Offered For Old Gardening Publications

Taranaki’s gardening public is being offered a chance to contribute to an enhancement project at one of the region’s botanic treasure troves.

Donations of pre-1980 plant catalogues, books and magazines are sought for an expanded library space being created as part of a major refurbishment project at Hollard Gardens, near Kaponga.

Established by renowned plant collector Bernie Hollard in the 1920s and now owned by the Taranaki Regional Council, the gardens are in the final stages of a makeover that includes construction of a new gatehouse and events pavilion, and high-tech cataloguing of the thousands of plants at the 4.5 ha property.

“Bernie Hollard established a plant collection that is held in high regard locally, nationally and internationally,” says the Council’s Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. “So it’s fitting that as part of this project, we’re able to increase the amount of space devoted to the gardening literature and publications of his day.

“We’re seeking old catalogues, magazine or books that in practical terms may be past their use-by date but which would sit perfectly with the collection at Hollard Gardens.”

These can be taken to Hollard Gardens, (1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga), dropped off at the Council’s other heritage property, Tupare (487 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth), or posted to Greg Rine at the Taranaki Regional Council, Private Bag 713, Stratford 4352.

Both Hollard Gardens and Tupare are open from 9am to 5pm daily. Entry is free.

Tupare is also in the final stages of a major refurbishment project that includes renovation of the historic Chapman-Taylor house on the property.

The refurbishments at both properties will be formally unveiled in the spring.

ENDS

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