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Description
Hit the Trail is a seasonal community radio show dedicated to showcasing the annual Taranaki Arts Trail, Taranaki Garden Festival and Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail, which in 2024, takes place from Friday 1st November to Sunday 10th November.
In the lead-up to these events, Rebecca Beyer, Gabrielle Fawker, Virginia Winder, and Sophie Walker interview artists, gardeners, and community members of all ages about their passion, their inspiration and the hard work that goes into making it a joyful and interesting experience for visitors. Listen to artists and gardeners talk about their art and the practical and inventive solutions they’ve found to common and vexing problems.
In the lead-up to these events, Rebecca Beyer, Gabrielle Fawker, Virginia Winder, and Sophie Walker interview artists, gardeners, and community members of all ages about their passion, their inspiration and the hard work that goes into making it a joyful and interesting experience for visitors. Listen to artists and gardeners talk about their art and the practical and inventive solutions they’ve found to common and vexing problems.
26 Episodes
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Inside the fence is an enchanting garden embracing past and present. The old Magnolia Campbellii and huge-trunked Rhododendron Arboreum Tomentosum are part of Sir Victor Davies’ original plan. The old garden has been rejuvenated as a woodland, while the new leads to a figure-of-eight path around a stream and features ornamental specimens and natives. Beechwoods is named after two ancient native beech trees, uncommon in Taranaki, and Adrian McLeod is the former owner of Fairfield Garden Centre.
2313 Mountain Road, RD 10, Tariki (Centuira Taranaki Garden Festival #41)
Gabrielle Fawkner's drive to integrate different art mediums comes from a desire for creative expression, and to challenge traditional boundaries. An experienced art teacher and recent art graduate, Gabrielle she sees the potential in combining mediums to create unique textures and visual effects. By using locally sourced materials, she deepens her connection to the environment, enriching the meaning of the work. Her inspiration blends curiosity, innovation, and a deep bond with her materials and surroundings.
33 Devon Street West CBD (Taranaki Arts Trail #32)
First up, Matt and Vanessa of Nine Stream Farm discuss their experience with regenerative farming on this 100 hectare property. Then meet Rhys & Tim, in their stunning suburban garden, Over the Rainbow.
Holly Smith ia a mixed media artist originally from England and based in Hawera, South Taranaki. Inspired by bright bold colour, florals and pattern. Holly loves creating abstract joyful paintings and screen prints. Some pieces are inspired by British Gardens ,and growing up in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Some are purely experimental and imaginative.
19 Gover Street CBD (Taranaki Arts Trail #15)
A conversation with Jane Bowden-Dobson and Jane Dunlop about building a home with rammed earth and co-purchasing land with friends. Learn about what inspired these decisions, the processes involved, and what’s in store for their participation in this year’s Sustainable Builds Trail.
303 Lower Ahu Ahu Rd, Kaitake (Sustainable Builds Trail)
Te Kāinga Marire is the only private native garden sanctuary in New Zealand to be rated as a Garden of International Significance. Te Kāinga Marire’s (translated ‘peaceful encampment’) point of difference lies in the natural plant associations that evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand. This native plant paradise was developed in 1972 from clay wasteland. Keen outdoor adventurers, the owners wanted a bird-friendly garden designed around the ecological groups they had observed in the wild. New Zealand native grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees have been carefully nurtured around rustic fences, a wetland, a colonial bush hut and cool fern-filled whare. Shy tui now regularly fly into the garden to feed.
15 Spencer Place, New Plymouth (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #10)
Tasha Waterson is a Taranaki artist based in New Plymouth. Tasha’s artwork takes inspiration from the human form and her sculptures are line drawings that blur boundaries between two dimensional and three dimensional drawings The shadows cast by the sculptures give the artwork more depth and confuses the viewer into thinking that the shadows are part of the drawing.
33 Devon Street West CBD (Taranaki Arts Trail #34)
Sophie chats with naturopath Cat Neale, at her off-grid 2 acre property at the end of Mangorei Road. Learn about Cat’s journey toward creating a regenerative food forest and medicine garden with medicinal herbs and plants. Sophie then meets with Martina Murray from Blue Petal and Caroline Gottfert from Eudaimonia and they talk about their properties, what they’re growing, sustainable practices they use and why. Specifically planting for wellness and regenerative purposes.
The Medicine Place #10 - 1766 Mangorei Rd, Mangorei
Eudaimonia #9 - 274 Korito Rd, Korito
Blue Petal Botanicals #8 - 335 Maude Rd, Korito
(Sustainable Backyards Trail)
On the outskirts of Hāwera, Steve and Kerry Christiansen have created a semi-formal garden with manicured lawns and shapely hedging of many varieties. This one-acre garden, less than five years old, is dotted with rustic garden art, including Kerry’s birdhouses made from recycled materials. You’ll also see an avenue of espaliered fruit trees, a quaint black-and-white craft shed and greenhouse. Christmas crafts and garden art for sale.
200 Ketemarae Road, Hāwera (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #36)
Portia is a multi-media artist interested in the interplay between collage materials, stitching and books, Portia searches op shops for treasures, particularly illustrated animal books. Op shops inspire new works and provide materials.
Based at 851 South Road Omata (Taranaki Arts Trail #81)
A conversation with Kylie Zinsli from Mountain Road Estate about their decision to develop their 3 acre property from paddocks into spaces for growing organic lavender, sage, truffles, hazelnuts and more! All with the goal of health and wellness in mind for all. Learn about their products and what they have planned for this year’s Sustainable Trails.
Mountain Road Estate based at 5881 Mountain Rd, Normanby and St Mary’s Community Garden based at 101 Collins St, Hāwera (Sustainable Backyards Trail #18)
This 40-year-old woodland garden, legacy of a renowned Taranaki plantsman, has provided historical content for current owners Kim and Owen. The 0.6ha holds an extensive array of evergreen and deciduous, native and exotics along with rare and unique plants. Vast colour is provided by rhododendrons, azaleas, astilbes and irises. Hostas flourish at the pond alongside burgundy and red maples.
48 Saxton Rd, New Plymouth (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #25)
Katrina is a New Zealand artist based in New Plymouth. She creates the most beautiful and detailed botanical, floral and landscape art. Her artwork has been described as expressionistic, and each piece is a reflection of her imagination and real-life observations. Katrina connects her artistic inspiration to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, especially its lush native bush, ocean vistas and abundance of plant life. With a background in various mediums, she has honed her unique artistic techniques, creating colorful, vibrant and detailed pieces that reflect her passion for nature. Through each piece, she aims not just to showcase her perspective, but to evoke feelings and inspire viewers based on their own interpretations.
Based at 20 Heaphy Street, Westown (Taranaki Arts Trail #44)
A conversation with Matt Low about building a hempcrete home, the inspiration behind that decision, and the process involved. Learn about their decision to be part of both the Sustainable Builds and Sustainable Farms trails, what it takes to run an organic feijoa orchard, and the workshops planned for this year's trails.
175 Paraite Road, Bell Block (Sustainable Builds and Farms)
At the end of this cul-de-sac lies a hidden garden. From structured planting at the front, explore the slopes of perennials, tree ferns and bromeliads before stepping down to a secluded native bush walk. A distinctive house, designed by Roger Walker in 1979, looks out over this curated, eclectic garden, which is completed by selected ethnic artworks. Garden featured in NZ House & Garden March 2022 issue.
26 Mayfair Place, New Plymouth (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #24)
Artist Katrin Lemcke came to Taranaki 20 years ago as an exchange student at Waitara High School. After returning to Germany to finish high school there, she also completed an apprenticeship as a traditional goldsmith. Only recently, after working independently, Katrin has taken great delight in experimenting with ancient and modern techniques of jewellery making, like lost-mould casting, handweaving of chains, gemstone setting, hand engraving, and oxidisation of metals. Inspiration is often taken from archaeological findings of the European bronze age, architecture and nature. The materials used are mainly silver, gold and copper. These often come from old jewellery, or from silver cutlery that gets molten down to have a low impact on the environment.
560 Devon Street East, Fitzroy (Taranaki Arts Trail #10)
A conversation with Chanelle Carrick at her urban New Plymouth property, Bayly Tarraces. A 1100m2, work-in-progress, permaculture garden. Chanelle talks about the property’s unique features, being part of the Sustainable Backyards Trail. We also cover new additions to the garden, and events and workshops planned for the backyards trails this year.
94b Bayly Rd, Blagdon (Sustainable Backyards Trail #2)
It’s all uphill for Lisa and Shane McNab as they head into their fourth year opening Three Elms for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival. Publicist Virginia Winder hears how they transformed their steep section on Anne St in New Plymouth using artful plantings – both tropical and traditional – plus loads of big rocks. Based at 19 Anne St, New Plymouth (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #27)
Driving through Bell Block there is a hive of activity behind the main run of shops in Maria’s studio at 15B Bell Block Court. With a large open studio space and three kilns constantly on the go, Maria hones her impressive skills with clay specialising in decorative artworks, large and small, for your home and garden with her endless range of glazes and finishes. Maria has been in Taranaki Arts Trail every year since the beginning and plans to fill her shop space with ceramic flowers in celebration of this great milestone. Based 15B Bell Block Court, bell Block (Taranaki Arts Trail #10)
Melissa and Aaro have sustainability at the forefront of their decisions. A thriving food forest and veggie beds have been established on steep terrain. Upcycling is evident with a strong focus on encouraging wildlife. With a greywater and composting toilet system, a root cellar, a rocket stove project, electric vehicles, tyre retaining walls, and incent farming, this is an inspiring property to visit on the way to Rotokare Scenic Reserve. Based 161 Sangster Road, Rawhitiroa (Sustainable Backyards Trail #20)
Using a palette of black, white and green, Judi Gopperth has created a garden that honours the history of Hirst Cottage in New Plymouth. The long-time entrant in the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival talks to Virginia Winder about the 1865-built home, getting ready to open the delight in meeting visitors. Based at 94 Pendarvers St, New Plymouth (Centuria Taranaki Gardens Festival #26)
Dale's three-room studio within her home is full of artworks and years of collecting, surrounded by her unkempt jungle garden and rolling Taranaki countryside on Surf Highway, Puniho, Okato. Dale is known worldwide as an accomplished assemblage artist and champion of local art, being a founding member of Taranaki Arts Trail. Her disparate objects and the philosophy of the found merge together for some thought-provoking creations. Based 7266 Surf Highway, Puniho, Okato. (Taranaki Arts Trails #104)
Mat and Vanessa have farmed their 97ha regenerative beef farm for 6 years. Their challenge is operating in a high rainfall climate and maintaining fencing for livestock on land dissected by waterways fed by the bordering maunga. 1/3 of the property is retired to QE11 covenants with whio, tomtit and falcon who visit regularly. Based 851 Durham Road Upper, Norfolk. (Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail #10)
When Chris and Steak Goodin open their property for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival there are always extras involving art, animals, and often music. Publicit Virginia Winder talks to the couple about the explosive beginnings of the Goodin Country Garden and hears about a couple of fine photographers and an event called Meet Horses Helping Humans. Based 158 Mirikau Road, Warea. (Centuria Taranaii Garden Festival #15)
Ian and Theresa are part of the St Chad’s Collective on Ōmata Road in New Plymouth. A group of eight contrasting artists who do not have visitor-friendly home-studios so have banded together to showcase themselves under one roof. Theresa explores different mediums with her main focus and inspiration being her faith and her family with the Samoan and Tongan culture shining through her artworks. Ian has a more surreal and psychological approach to his artwork through paintings, drawings and mixed media. The majority of the artists at St Chad’s Hall, Ōmata Road are participating in the Taranaki Arts Trail for the first time. (Taranaki Arts Trail #54 & #52)
Newstart Gardens grows organic-based produce that is delivered to people in need by the New Plymouth Foodbank. It is a community run by volunteers, a facility for education, and a primary location for Land Based Training. It is a great site for practical learning, and so is a ‘continual work-in-progress’. The gardens are owned by the SDA Church. Based 41 Saxton Road. (Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail #4)
Students and parent volunteers have transformed a previously barren area into a dynamic food forest consisting of 22 large fruiting trees, veggie beds, supported plants, chickens, and much more. The orchard project was implemented by the children, staff, and community in 2017 and more recently tamariki have learnt about and used cultural tikanga (protocol) for seed collection and cultivation. Based 1 Holloway Road, Ōmata (Taranaki Sustainable backyards Trail #11)
For the first time, Michael Mansvelt, designer of houses, landscapes and interiors, is inviting people to enter the Jungle during the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival. Publicist Virginia Winder talks to him about his New Plymouth nursery, where the jewel of the Jungle is a huge glasshouse packed with tropical gems, including rare plants. Based at 816 Carrington Road, New Plymouth (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #31)
Susie and Michelle are close friends who support and often work together in each other’s studios. Both are self-taught to an exceptional level capturing everyday moments, local landscapes and portraiture. Susie and Michelle will be based at Hollard Gardens, Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga, throughout the trail with activities, refreshments and the added attraction of the informal gardens surrounding them. (Taranaki Arts Trail #97 & #98)
Viv and Rob weave creativity and sustainability into their 1-acre urban farmlet. Explore organic, no-dig and lasagne garden beds, as well as orchards, a food forest and natives. Learn about companion planting, ducks and chickens, DIY fertilisers, windbreaks, rainwater harvesting and irrigation, solar power and storage, predator control, compostable toilets, and soil recovery. Harvest provides food but also dye and fibres from cordage, paper making and basketry. Based 18 Halse Place, Ōpunake(Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail #16)
Amelia de Ridder is a newcomer to the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival with Tropics on Manngati. Festival publicist Virginia Winder talks to her about creating a garden packed with palms, bromeliads and tropical beauties. She also has a food forest, fishpond and memories in her freshly created Bell Block Garden, which was a gift to herself. Based 108 Mangati Road, Bell Block (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #38)
Phil is new to Taranaki Arts Trail and is highly skilled in handcrafting one-of-a-kind pieces from multiple woods into fluid and organic sculptures at his Inglewood-based studio. Phil's unique precision of work and skill quality represent the stunning possibilities wood can offer when in the right hands. Visit Phil and his breathtaking sculptures at 32 Miro Street, Inglewood. (Taranaki Arts Trail #81)
Kate and Finn started their ever-evolving labour of love three years ago. The property combines aspects of food production and sustainability while maintaining visual aesthetics. The property hopes to show other young families what can be achieved on an urban section while balancing work, family, and property maintenance. Māra Kai is like a mullet - business in the front and party at the back. Based 6 Mouatt Street, Waitara (Taranaki Sustainable Back Yards Trail #25)
Chris and Angela Feron are entering Ngā Manu Garden into the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival for the second time. Publicist Virginia Winder hears about their enticing laen, bird-luring feeders and bee-attracting plants. The landscaped New Plymouth bird garden also stars shapely camellias, a giant ginkgo and an avalanche of roses. Based 40 Manu Crescent (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival #29)
Wayne and Sarah are based at 693 Carrington Road, Hurwoth. An idyllic spot with a studio each within shouting distance from each other, but each creating very different artwork within their own spaces. Wayne's work is big, boisterous assemblage from found, recycled and upcycled treasures fashioned into birds, fish, garden art and quirky sculptures. Sarah sculpts jewellery inspired by nature and ancient artifacts, highlighting texture and embracing imperfections when casting silver in Aotearoa beach sand. (Taranaki Arts Trail #68 & #69)
Martina and Donald's kitchen garden is based on organic principles and sits centre of their 2-hectare property. Explore raised garden beds surrounded by a Douglas Fir field as a wood for posterity, a eucalyptus patch for firewood, and a terraced espalier and herb field - part of Blue Petal herbal and honey production. Learn about mulch uses, composting, worm farming, comfrey liquid fertilising, recycling, and much more. Based 335 Maude road, Korito (Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail #8)
Mikaela talks to Julian and Olivia Shimmin, owners of Glascroft in Pātea (Taranaki Garden Festival #40) about their eleven garden rooms inspired by the arts and crafts movement. This year’s ‘Hit the Trail’ ends with a korero with the three coordinators - Tetsu Garnett (Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival Manager), Brittany Ryan (Sustainable Backyards Manager), and Niki Jenkinson (Coordinator Taranaki Arts Trail), with some encouraging tips for the future.
Mikaela talks to artist and textile designer Beth Armstrong in Oakura (Taranaki Arts Trail #76) about her botanical watercolours and cool fern wallpaper designs. Shirley Greenhill (Taranaki Garden Festival #41) takes us on a tour through the Greenhills gardens in Stratford. We talk about getting festival ready, her humorous coffee-table book ‘I am in the garden’, dried flowers, and ‘The Art & Poetry of Gin’ event at Fenton Street Art Collective (Events p. 60).
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