A fiesta of “all things gardening” returns to the Clareville Showgrounds on Saturday in time for the long-awaited spring season.
Sue Rayner, who is helping to coordinate this year’s event, said the Wairarapa Garden Fiesta promises new and experienced gardening enthusiasts “plants, to produce and everything in between”, including garden art and sheds.
The fiesta is sponsored by GardenBarn and Wairarapa A&P Society and is in its third year.
In previous years, the event has attracted over 2000 visitors from Wairarapa and further afield, including Hutt Valley, Wellington and Manawatu.
With more than 70 stalls, including a food court area, Rayner is hoping for a similar turnout this year.
“The sunshine is on order for this year,” she said.
But, even if the sun hides, the introduction of a new indoor area and a hard-surfaced outdoor area should make for an enjoyable experience.
The changes were made in response to customer feedback, Rayner said.
“We were looking at suggestions from last time and making improvements as we’ve gone along.
“One [suggestion] was having better grounding underneath. We had the facilities, so we thought we should give it a go. So if it isn’t such a good day, people can be inside, and there won’t be so much mud and that sort of thing.”
Cost of entry is a gold coin donation, with proceeds going towards “enhancement and beautification” of the showground’s lake area, Rayner said.
“We’ve had a few trees come down, so we thought we would tidy that up.”
Whether you are looking to learn about gardening, wanting to add a unique touch to an outside space, or “seeking or searching for treasures or trees”, the fiesta will appeal to a wide audience, Rayner said.
As well as gardening products, advice and inspiration, visitors to the fiesta could win a prize if they return their entry form on the day.
Wairarapa Garden Fiesta, Saturday, August 19, Wairarapa A&P Showgrounds, Clareville, Carterton, 8.30am-3pm.
