Gore gardener Amy Ritchie has embarked on a new gardening business venture.
The venture, Tigga’s Cottage Garden, is based at their quarter-acre property and specialises in growing affordable cut flowers and foliage for hand-tied whimsical bouquets.
She said the idea behind the project is to share the abundance of flowers with others.
“I’ve always loved gardening and flowers and putting bouquets together. Bevin and I have spent many years developing the garden and the project felt like a fun way to share what we have,” she said.
“Each morning, I put together bouquets of flowers based on what’s available each day. Each bouquet is unique, with a personal touch. So many people come each week and it’s fun to meet them.”
She said she looks after the flowers and husband Bevin enjoys his vegetable garden and fruit growing.
“We had no real plan or design for the garden when we started in 2015. I describe myself as a plant-a-holic as I find it very hard to not plant anything offered to me, so the garden is a mix of everything I love. Over the years it has developed using curves lined with recycled bricks to soften pathways with trellis work and archways which invite you to explore our space.
“We enjoy having trees for shade and structure; kowhai which attracts tūī and bellbirds in spring. Crabapples for year-round interest, Devine blossom in spring and lovely leaf forms with the bonus of small apples for the birds in autumn. Rhododendrons for colour and lovely structure with little maintenance. Ceris ‘Forest Pansy’ is a favourite.
“It is a lovely dark red heart-shaped leaf and is an attractive tree in the garden. We also have several maples, grown mostly for their foliage.”
The couple also have a very productive vegetable patch which provides year-round food for the table.
“Broccoli and greens do very well considering Bevin’s not keen on eating his greens. Large pumpkins hang around the frames in the old glasshouse. Potatoes do well and beetroot, tomatoes, capsicums and courgettes have provided many jars of pickles this year. I’m not sure why but strawberries struggle to provide much fruit despite following advice of successful growers.
“A garden is forever evolving; it’s our place of peace and tranquillity and is so rewarding. We love sharing it with people who walk by.”
Tigga’s Cottage Garden is at 1 Anzac St, Gore. The garden is also open to group visits by arrangement.
Comments are closed.