Ayrlies, Whitford

Situated in Auckland, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand’s best known gardens. It is characterised by sweeping lawns and informal but detailed plantings by ponds and waterways. Ayrlies is a seasonal garden where the owner, Bev McConnell has been challenged to have some plant at its best every week of the year keeping the horticultural and botanical interest in balance with the landscape.

Just over 50 years from a bare site, the garden is nearing maturity. Trees and shrubs form a changing backdrop for roses, perennials, bulbs and grasses while plants native to New Zealand are a strong component. A wild flower meadow is an unusual attraction in early summer. There is also a large wetland area linking the garden to the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.