Newspaper Article – Mangatarata Station opens its garden gates

Mangatarata Station opens its garden gates

A Waipukurau Couple, Donald and Judy Macdonald of Mangatarata Station, are opening their large garden to the public for the first time at Easter.

The garden which surrounds a 100-year-old historic homestead, features English trees and large lawns leading down to a lake in front of the house complete with white swans and a variety of ducks.

Walkways thread amongst the trees adding an interesting dimension to the garden.

The driveway features glimpses of views down the flats framed by woodland trees. It is planted with agapanthus, lilies, cherry trees and an assortment of perennials to maintain year round interest.

The house, situated on a rise, features wide verandahs and elaborate woodwork.

Mangatarata Station, of two-and-a-half thousand acres, was the second station to be established in Hawke’s Bay.

The sheds are older than the house and make an interesting walk in themselves, Mrs Macdonald said.

She said they decided to open their garden to the public because they wanted to share what they had created with others

The garden will be open to the public on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, from l0am to 4pm. Refreshments will be available. Entry fee is $3. The property is located at 415 Mangatarata Rd off Herbert Rd. It is seven minutes from the Waipukurau township.

Photo caption – Mrs Macdonald at work in her Waipukurau garden.