Omaio Garden (in Matakana) on the North Island of New Zealand would be the envy of anyone…even if you’re not a gardener. Liz Morrow’s talents clearly carry out the meaning of OMAIO, well known through magazines and book chapters …”Place of Peace, Quiet, and Tranquility.”
It was an honor visiting two gardens back to back (the Ayrlies blog was last week), both created by women from bare farmland, and both app.14 acres in size. I departed Omaio thinking, “it takes guts, vision, and a good engineering team to deal with the slopes!”
From that first entry step, I found myself breathing a sigh, immediately feeling a sense of that tranquility. All is tidy and immaculate, but not stiff, showing off a creative talent with an exceptional knowledge of horticulture. The well manicured and curved beds with a pairing of plant material from many growing zones both in New Zealand and America is the perfect welcome!
I loved the elegant Auckland silver fern sharing a bed with a hydrangea that would be happy in Newport…and notice that clean wood chip path!
Like I, Liz has an affection for globes…from green to teakwood…making them a centerpiece in a border or floating on the lawn. And a bit of whimsy is appreciated, too. Three globes share a space with ficus standards that are allowed to grow through the tennis court fence (“why fight city hall?” as one might say) and are judiciously pruned.
These elegant paths continue along the long and winding “nature trail” of plants, shrubs, and trees that have grown on their own, with a deck perfectly suited to capture a peek at the water and islands beyond. Signage adds another cultural note.
Further along, seating made from the same trees is appropriately placed for the visitors pleasure…and filtered water is available for parched throats.
The walk concludes with a tongue in cheek gesture…stepping stones with a leaf motif (so you imagine).
But then you come upon a replica, in wood scraps, of a “bird.” Of course you know the first question you will ask Liz when you return to the house.
This piece of artwork honors the Moa, a native to NZ, flyless bird from the dinosaur era, standing app. 16ft. The “leaves” in the stepping stones are emulating the Moa’s footprints!!
It was a delight to finish this visit back at Liz’s courtyard with its collection of another example of her passion for neatness and tidiness….varied pots, but all very complementary, showing off fave plants (I am green with envy that she can grow pittosporum, a wonderful substitute for boxwood).
Thank you, Liz, for this wonderful treat…would that we lived in closer proximity!
