Keeping it fresh: Q&A with Amelia de Ridder at Tropics on Mangati

Q: You have made changes to your garden since the last festival – why?

When I bought my home four years ago, I could see the potential to develop a garden and make it my space and place.

I was lucky to have landscapers who put in amazing hardscape, introduced me to the world of palms and cycads and did the initial planting.  But I had the urge to tailor the garden to my personal taste and create spaces that reflected my version of peace and calm with a touch of the whimsical that I’ve had in other gardens over the past 50 years.

Garden rooms are important and each space should have its own personality.  And of course, gardens grow, weather bombs arrive, garden disasters happen and unexpected health issues make “less maintenance” important words.  All of these have happened since I started this garden.

Q: Where in the garden – and what changes have you done?

Supported by my friend Michelle and niece Sharron, we have reworked the lower tiers of much of  the garden.   After discussion, debate and contemplation each area has its own personality and style and complements what has been left untouched.  The Stihl battery-powered garden tools have been in constant use, ground cover added to reduce maintenance and areas subtly replanted to reflect me.

There’s new garden art, and out of a major disaster with a kentia palm something special is happening.  After working with Metalcraft Extreme, from Waitara to design and make corten panels for my new garden art “Guardians of the Garden” I am delighted to welcome their team to my garden to display and sell their work during the garden festival. And, where the palm was, they have installed an amazing piece of art especially for the festival. My challenge is to create planting to complement it!

Q: What does your garden mean to you?

To me a garden is like painting a picture, one that is never quite finished.  It should make you smile when you arrive home regardless of how big or small your garden is.  And to me, home starts at the garden gate, not when I open the front door.

I love the look we have achieved by all working together – a balance of textured layers, subtle colour, whimsical art, and surprises.  It’s a garden to relax in and enjoy from one of the decks.