THE AUCKLAND SUMMER GARDEN FESTIVAL

6th - 7th March 2010
10am to 6pm
Tickets: $30 (valid for both days)

The popular two-day Heroic Gardens Festival, showcasing the creativity and hard work of gay and lesbian gardeners, will be held over the weekend of March 6th -7th.  Thirty-two gardens will be open to the public for this Auckland-wide event.

The Festival, now in its 14th year, has raised over $460,000 for good causes. Auckland’s eight hospices will again benefit from Heroic Gardens, and last year raised $30,000 for us.

The gardens range from Whangaparaoa to Waiuku - from Piha to Orakei.  They include clusters of city gardens and 4 large country gardens around the Pukekohe - Waiuku area.  Or something different, try the James Wallace Trust’s Rannoch Sculpture Forest tucked on the volcanic slope of Mt Eden, and the fabulous Kelliher Estate on Puketutu Island.

Gay and lesbian gardeners are a quirky bunch. Their choice of plants and garden layout says much about who they are. Some are older with established, stately gardens. Some are young and spectacular, colour and provocative sculpture reflect their gay and proud attitude.

Many of the garden owners will be available to talk about the "how-and-why" of what they have achieved. They are happy to share their knowledge and experience and hopefully answer the difficult questions.  This festival includes something for every gardener and every person who enjoys garden design or plant variety.

Go to the website for further details and for ticket sales heroicgardens.org.nz