Pukeiti
Pukeiti: New Zealand's Finest Rhododendron Garden
by Pat Greenfield
The Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust garden was established in the 1950s. It is on the slopes of the Egmont National Park and is the only public rhododendron garden in the world situated in rain forest. It has the largest selection of rhododendrons in New Zealand.
A visit there is worthwhile year round because, even if the rhodies are not flowering, there are major displays of cardiocrinum, hostas, hydrangeas, magnolias, primulas, liliums, bulbs, and alpine and herbaceous plants. As if that were not enough, the garden is set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Taranaki and stunningly beautiful native bush.
If you haven't been, it is certainly worth a vist for both the keen gardener and the non-gardener alike. It is worth factoring in a trip there if you are heading to New Plymouth or Mt Taranaki, or anywhere around.
This book covers the history of Pukeiti and all the people who have helped establish and maintain it since its beginning in 1951. It is a beautiful book with superb photography. It will make you want to set off at once.
