“Your work is the work of chiefs.” Those were the words spoken to Beverley McConnell by James Brown of Ngai Tai ki Tamaki. His words encapsulate the spirit of Ayrlies Garden & Wetlands. Welcome to a place where nature and nurture intertwine. It creates a tapestry of beauty.
Ayrlies Garden & Wetlands is a testament to one woman’s vision. Beverley McConnell transformed farmland into a world-renowned garden. It is located near Whitford, southeast of Auckland. The New Zealand Gardens Trust has given it their highest rating. It is a six-star garden. Some call it the quintessential New Zealand garden.
In 1964, Beverley and her husband Malcolm moved here. Malcolm was the co-founder of McConnell Dowell. The garden started small. It was a bare paddock with heavy clay soil. Over time, it grew. By 1978, it encompassed 12 acres.
The garden boasts large lawns and mature trees. Ponds and waterways meander through the landscape. Informal borders overflow with colorful plantings. Don’t miss the “lurid border.” It is a vibrant display of hot colors. Roses, clematis, and perennials add to the charm. Sub-tropical plants thrive here. You will see Petrea and Alocasia. Bromeliads and vireya rhododendrons also grow here. Towering liquidambar trees provide shade. Swamp cypress and pin oak reach for the sky. The climate is warm and wet. It helps the plants flourish.
A sitooterie offers a place to relax. It is a low gazebo with stunning views. The design unifies the large site. It is a consistent planting and use of materials. Ayrlies is named after Malcolm McConnell’s grandfather’s farm in Scotland.
In 2000, a new chapter began. Thirty-five acres of swamp flats transformed. They became a wetland area. An eight-acre lake now connects the garden to the Hauraki Gulf.
The wetlands are home to native trees and plants. Giant grasses line the boardwalks. Bridges span the water. This area is a refuge for wildlife. Over 82 species of native and visiting wildlife call it home.
The garden’s design includes plants native to New Zealand. A wildflower meadow bursts into color in early summer. It is an unusual and delightful sight.
Beverley McConnell’s vision extends beyond aesthetics. She created an ecologically rich environment. It is a place of beauty and biodiversity.
Take your time as you explore Ayrlies Garden & Wetlands. Allow two hours for the garden. Add an extra hour for the wetlands. Or drive between the two carparks.
Ayrlies is more than a garden. It is a legacy. It is a testament to the power of vision. It is a place where nature thrives. Beverley McConnell’s work will be remembered for generations. Her garden and forest will cast a shadow across Turanga. A shadow of beauty and inspiration.