Garden History

Violet Hill Farm started out as a 2.4ha area of totally bare land (other than the small pond and fenced forest area) and which was once part of a larger farm grazed by cattle.  After I bought the property I realized that there was an ancient family connection with the area. My great, great, great, great grandparents lived locally and ran a small hilly, wooded farm and store combined and managed the local post office.  I like to think that part of the draw was from an unconscious whisper from my settler ancestors.   The farm was called Violet Hill - and was the inspiration for the name of my property.

When forth I go upon my way,
a thousand joys are mine,
The clusters of dark violets,
the wreaths of the wild vine.
Howitt

The garden currently consists of a potager and herb garden, cutting garden, glasshouse, orchard, forest walk (stand of regenerating kahikatea forest), small pond and grazing paddocks and is an ongoing labour of love...




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