Every two years, Franklin Hospice holds their famous garden ramble where the public can go visit gardens in the Franklin area. A few years ago, it was decided to try out having a market and festival at one garden location over a weekend on the in between year which proved extremely popular and successful.
This year our venue is Winsford Gardens which is a stunning garden setting, just off the motorway in Ramarama. Peter and Diane have created a garden paradise surrounded by the 200 Totara trees which were planted on the 10 acre block after World War I. It is currently a wedding venue which is in high demand due to the excellent location and stunning photo opportunities.
The terraced gardens make a perfect market and festival venue. We have over 40 stalls participating selling a range of goods, like plants, garden ornaments and furniture, jewellery, crafts, wine and so much more. This is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. There will be food available on site: Devonshire teas, food trucks and stalls. There will be seating available to enjoy your meal while drinking in the gorgeous surroundings. We are hoping to be granted a Special Licence by Auckland Council to sell alcohol and if we are then we will have wine, gin and a beer stall in a marquee.
This year’s event has been sponsored by Mitre 10 Pukekohe.
There will also be a series of speakers on various subjects, gardening demos, using plants in homeopathy and Julie le Clerc will be speaking about her life in food and share the many clever culinary tips and tricks she has learnt over 30 years working professionally with food.
Lynda Hallinan will also be at the market selling her fabulous new book, The joy of gardening: all about how our gardens nourish us, heal us, bring beauty into our lives & generally make us feel happy.
There will also be entertainment during the weekend, which will add to the brilliant atmosphere of fun, food and Christmas shopping.
Every ticket purchased will go into the draw to win a Castaways chill out package. This beautiful and remote location of Karioitahi Beach offers a true sense of escape. Its wild coastline and stunning sunsets will simply take your breath away. The package includes accommodation, dinner and breakfast.
The festival is open from 10am to 4 pm on the 20 and 21 November, as long as we are in level 1.
Tickets are available online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/franklin-hospice-garden-festival-and-christmas-market-tickets-161700696135
Winsford Gardens are at 35 McEldownie Rd, Ramarama. There is plenty of parking available at the top of the driveway.