Ayrlies Garden, Private garden in Whitford, east Auckland, New Zealand
Ayrlies Garden is a 12-acre private garden in Whitford, east of Auckland, with rolling terrain, extensive lawns, connected ponds, and waterways throughout. The grounds blend informal flower borders with subtropical plants and connect to an adjoining wetland system with a lake.
The garden was created in 1964 by Beverly and Malcolm McConnell on bare pastureland, taking its name from Malcolm's grandfather's farm in Scotland. This project transformed an empty stretch of land into an extensive horticultural space.
The garden serves as a destination for plant enthusiasts and collectors who come to see rare cultivars and diverse horticultural specimens. Its role in the local gardening community is reflected in how visitors return repeatedly to study its plant combinations and design choices.
The garden is open to visitors on weekdays with paid admission and features walking paths exploring the ponds, waterways, and wetland area. Wear suitable footwear since the terrain is rolling and paths can be muddy after rain.
The adjoining wetland with its 8-acre lake developed largely undisturbed, creating a direct transition between the cultivated gardens and the natural coastal landscape. This integration of human design and wild nature offers visitors an unusual space to observe how these two worlds meet.
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