Skilful blend of old and new

Press, 31 January 1985, Page 12

Skilful blend of old and new

Thelma Strongman

People and their gardens

Restoring the buildings and grounds of an old Canterbury homestead is a fascinating but time-consuming activity.

The Mulligan family moved into the old Ohoka homestead about 11 years ago. Since then much of their time has been spent, refurbishing the house. In the last two or three years there has been time to develop the garden, which has been a special pleasure for Mrs Ann Mulligan. When the Mulligans arrived in Ohoka, much of the garden consisted of open lawn and trees. There was a swimming poll on the west side of the house, but no leisure garden in which to sit out and enjoy the sun. Ann Mulligan’s love of plants and gardens has been with her most of her life. It probably prompted her to take a degree in botany which she has found to be especially useful in furthering her garden interests. As the Ohoka garden had a very open aspect, Ann felt that she wanted to define certain areas in order to lend it a distinctive character. She felt that an inclosed, formal garden with a terrace would suit the north facing surrounds of the house, and found herself

drawn to the compartmentalised garden of Hidcote and Sissinghurst in England as a model.

A Christchurch garden designer, John Marsh, was asked to help with the project for the front of the house. Brick walls matching those of the homestead were extended from the two front corners of the house. These enclose a formal entrance and terraced area which faced the sun and looks out on a park-like prospect of trees and pasture.

The front of the terrace is edged with low brick walls and panels of wrought iron. Other low walls contain flower beds, and add interesting levels to an otherwise flat site.

A high brick wall separates this part of the garden from the drive, and on the left Ann has planted small, hornbeam trees which will be clipped into shape when they have grown sufficiently to provide a living wall. This will form a backdrop to the roses, which are a main theme of the planting in this formal area. A colour scheme based on pale mauves and light purples was chosen to blend in with old roses which are a feature of this area.

Lavender, light purple

verbena, dark purple cornflowers, with pinks of bright lychnis, and varieties of dianthus together with a touch of white complete this delicate scheme. “Blue Moon” roses have been planted at the far end. On one side of a gravelled path is a paved area with a garden seat, and opposite this is a hidden entrance to the main garden. From here a path runs through flower beds edged with maples which will eventually form a small tunnel across the path. The swimming pool has been protected by brick walls on two sides. Again roses form the main feature of the planting, and in this area those with a pink colour prodominate. The beautiful soft planting, and white, trellised arbour give an Edwardian feeling to this part of the garden. The swimming pool area is balanced by an extended area of lawn surrounded by an informally planted shrubbery. In the far corner there is a vista to the distant mountains.

The easy open transition between the garden boundary and the paddock is marked by two large chimney pots which originally belonged to the house. These

are filled with variegated periwinkles which cascade down the sides.

A third area of garden lies to the east of the house where the drive terminates in a circular bed of “iceberg” roses underplanted with violas. In this area the chosen colour scheme is yellow and white. Beyond this is the vegetable garden, which is encased in wire cages for protection against the peacocks which stride through the garden. Ann remarks with amusement that perhaps it would make more sense for the peacocks to be inside and the vegetables outside.

Further plans for the garden include the development of the north area, to the left of the house, with a round pond surrounded by formal paving and an informal planting of white flowers. A small lake will probably be made to the right, beyond the drive, and the wide sweep of paddock in front of the house will be left for grazing; with the addition of informally planted spring bulbs. The grass and trees will eventually provide a. parklike vista stretching from the end of the garden to the horizon in the north.