They have a reputation as high-maintenance good-lookers. But it is possible to enjoy the beauty without a lot of hard work.
Herbaceous borders, those often-spectacular garden collections of summer-flowering perennials, will this Sunday be the subject of a free Hollard Gardens workshop that aims to bust some myths.
"They're traditionally regarded as very work-intensive, but we want to show how herbaceous borders can work for you, rather than the other way round," says Greg Rine, Regional Gardens Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council, which owns and administers Hollard Gardens on behalf of the people of the region.
"We'll take workshop participants through the recently refurbished herbaceous borders on the main lawn at Hollard Gardens, looking at what's working well and what could be improved.
"There'll be plenty of ideas for people to take home"
The workshop will run from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 21 February, with hot drinks served at the conclusion. Hollard Gardens is at 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga.
The workshop is part of a year-round programme of workshops and other free events at Hollard Gardens and the other Taranaki Regional Council heritage property, Tupare in New Plymouth.
For more information, see www.hollardgardens.info and www.tupare.info.
Hollard Gardens and Tupare are both open from 9am to 8pm daily. Entry is free.