Call To Dig In For Landmark Garden Celebration

Taranaki’s green-fingered folk can have a dress rehearsal for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival’s 40th anniversary next year.

Festival manager Jessica Parker says those new gardeners and earlier entrants, keen to be part of the 2027 milestone celebration, may want to consider taking part this year in preparation.

“We're always interested to talk to gardeners, new and former entrants,” says Jessica.

“There's a lot of gardens out there that used to be in the festival, and their owners may have retired or they may have sold the property.

“The new owners of these gems, which are throughout the whole region, may just be interested in coming back into the festival – whether it be this year, in the future or for the 40th anniversary.”

Jessica wants to get the message out now, especially to those garden owners who may be hesitant about opening their gates for the 10-day festival on from 30 October to 8 November this year, and 29 October to 7 November in 2027.

For shy gardeners she has encouraging words about coming forward.

“What I find is so many of our gardeners, who have got a passion and love for gardens and gardening and the space they've created, think their gardens wouldn't be good enough to open for New Zealand’s longest-running garden festival.

“And quite honestly, I'd say 95% of the time, that's not the case. We love to see new gardens, and we love to see gardens in development coming through.”

Opening this year is a great opportunity to prepare for the 40th celebrations – and Jessica suggests, gently, that people “dob in” a gardener with a glorious place to share.

Being in the festival is also about giving back to Taranaki.

“So many of our gardeners, in fact a large proportion, love the contribution that opening their garden makes to our community and the region as a whole,” says Jessica.

The festival attracts many visitors from out of the region, who spend money on accommodation, retail, hospitality, plants and more, significantly contributing to the GDP each year. Last year that figure was $4.7 million.

“So our gardeners actually really enjoy sharing their space, bringing pleasure to the visitors, and helping our community and region to prosper.”

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