Bruce Dippie & Jo Burson report …

41 I.P.P.S. members turned out to a glorious autumnal gathering at Alan and Catherine Trotts show garden. Show garden being no exaggeration, as this amazing garden is definitely a must see if you are ever passing. T.V.N.Z recently filmed the garden for an upcoming World Garden series, and we were able to enjoy autumns first wisps of colour, as trees were beginning to turn and glow.

We all gathered in the Chapel, which has been moved on site after Alan rescued it and relocated it from a site in Ashburton. Since the gardens inception and development from a bare 7 acre site the garden has developed into the world collection of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials that we see now. With initial development and digging of water ponds in 1985, and planting of the Macrocarpa hedges in 1991 the collection of trees, shrubs and perennials has grown, with continued refinement and adjustment to the site.

Out from the Chapels entrance, there is an impressive view of the Perennial gardens, which are framed by clipped Cupressus macrocarpa hedges. The lawns are an immaculate swath of fescue 'Brittany'. Sorbus aria lutescens have been replaced with Betula jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow', its white trunks almost glowing. Most cherries have been removed because of suckering, and replaced with Maples and Cornus, which thrive in the gardens sheltered domain. Viewing platforms give extended views, and tantalising glimpses of gems around the corner, very cunning.

I loved the leaf form of many of the trees, with Acer carpinifolia, and Quercus robur facilifolia being unusual. Roses are currently being removed and areas revisited with some novel twists and planting themes. The Red Garden with red leaved and flowering genera, has been popular with the general public, and the Dahlia and Cannas provide their lush colour and form. Berberis t. atropurpurea 'Helmond Pillar' was used with a twist.

Alan and Catherine's vision, planning and passion has and continues to develop, this garden into a horticultural must see of garden rooms. A veritable feast and surprise of plant form and specie flows from one area to the next. WOW… sums it up.

General Manager Lew Matthews greeted us at Allentons Nursery, and over a refreshing cuppa gave a run down of the current production. With over 100 acres on site, and 100 000 plants for sale we were in for a little legwork to view the plant offerings. Ivan McIlroy founded Allenton's in 1951 and from its initial production base of open ground fruit trees, 90% of the business is now focusing on ornamental trees and shrubs grown open ground and in containers.

A large focus of the production is the working of rootstocks, either chip budding or bench grafting of plant specie. Ian Williams from Appleton's gave a grafting demo, showing 'use of the blade' as he worked some Japanese maples. Ian explained the different techniques of chip budding and showed how technique and method has altered to increase speed of operations and quality of final product. As ever, the speed and skill with the equipment can be a quicker than the eye. Do that again please, slowly…

Allenton's select and sow some of their own rootstock for certain crops, with selection work on going. The sourcing and timing of working, on varying rootstocks determines the growth potential for each crop. Chip budding of Oaks, Chestnut and stone fruit now being completed in early autumn.

With such large areas under production, a 3-year fallow period ensues between crops, with Rye grass as the crop in the lay period. Blocks are divided by shelter hedging, providing shelter from the Nor wester and an impressive hedge of Acer “Autumn Glory' stretched into the distance showing its red autumn colourings.

Irrigation is provided with overhead travelling irrigators, and final crop wrenching and lifting being undertaken by a purpose built straddling tractor, that can wrench, and spray the crops. One got the feeling that setting forth in the morning with a spade or knapsack sprayer would not quite fit the bill, considering the size of area in production.

The range of plant material is impressive with more of the crop selections being offered in containers. I always love the gnarly quirky look of Corylus avellana contorta, and seasonal interest of Maples. With new items added yearly to the catalogue and coming to the fore, I can only add 'Bring them on!'

A very enjoyable afternoon was spent at the Ashburton Domain. After a lovely picnic lunch in the sun we were introduced to David Askin who has been the Superintendent of Parks for the last 17 years, one of only ten since the domain was established in 1884.

David took us on a most informative guided tour through the domain, which covers 90 acres 2/3rds of that are in sports grounds consisting of croquet, hockey, soccer, tennis and bowls, the other 1/3rd is in established trees and shrubs. In many cases these are some of the finest specimens you will see anywhere; the tree were showing breathtaking autumn foliage especially the beautiful red maples. We had certainly picked the best autumn day of the year many a photo was being taken and colourful leaves were being carried around in hands.

The trees are used extensively for seed collecting, and are the parent plants of many New Zealand trees.

The domain has its own Parks and Recreation Board which runs a nursery employing 18 staff, growing approximately 25-30000 annuals twice a year as well as shrubs and trees supplying street plantings, reserves, and cemeteries from Rakaia to Rangitata on a 1.1 to 1.2 million budget. The domain is obviously a huge part of the Ashburton community and is utilised by all ages.

On leaving the domain we went over the other side of town to Millichamps nursery. Established in 1886 after generations of the Millichamp family and plenty of employment for locals (employing 10 staff at present), unfortunately it is planned to close next year. Over the years Millichamps has supplied a lot of New Zealand with good quality plants, the nursery covering 8 acres, of what is now very much residential ground. It was great to see all of the unique nursery equipment. The community will sadly miss this Ashburton stalwart.