November 2

MEDIA RELEASE

Christmas Garden Festival coming up at Highwic

Highwic’s Christmas Garden Festival (November 18-19) will offer something for everyone – and some great fun for children in particular.

Best of all the Festival is free for everyone this year.

The timeless charm of the annual spring garden extravaganza at Highwic – the historic mansion cared for by Heritage New Zealand in Newmarket – will serve as a backdrop to a number of attractions that will appeal to kids of all ages.

“On the Saturday morning (November 18) we’ll kick off with our ‘Make a Christmas Garden’ competition for children. We’ll supply materials for kids to have a go at making a mini-garden, or if they prefer they can bring one they’ve made at home,” says the Manager of Highwic, Cheryl Laurie.

“Children will also be able to enjoy performances by Cherry the Clown giving parents the perfect opportunity to sneak away and do some Christmas shopping on-site at the Highwic Christmas Shop.”

Other entertainment will include performances by the Albany Ladies Choir on Saturday afternoon, a pipe band and Carols by Ukulele throughout Sunday.

“The annual Highwic Christmas Garden Festival has become a ‘must attend’ for Auckland’s keen gardeners, and as always there will be plenty to interest growers,” says Cheryl.

“This year we have flower arrangements throughout Highwic house and the grounds, as well as plant stalls which are always very popular. Dr Keith Hammett will also lead a series of Garden Tours around the grounds, which have proven to be a regular favourite over the years. At $5 per person the tours are great value, though numbers are limited.”

Highwic has also been working with the For The Love of Bees project, to become Auckland’s first inner city organic park. Festival goers will be able to see the beginnings of a pasture painting by Newmarket school in the orchard. These plantings of bee friendly plants will be food for the two beehives which will be installed in early November.

The Highwic Christmas Garden Festival takes place on November 18-19 (10am-4pm). Admission free. For programme details check the Heritage New Zealand website:  http://www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/events/garden-festival