Jill and Wayne Robson’s creative garden in Albert Crescent won the people’s choice award at Waiheke Garden Safari last weekend.
The Ostend garden features quirky handcrafted sculptures and archways, semi-tropical plants and a vegetable garden, all set against the backdrop of Anzac Bay.
The Robsons will be awarded the Helen Routledge Trophy after winning the most votes from safari goers.
Event manager Michelle Barber says the weather put a slight damper on the annual fundraiser for Jassy Dean Trust, which attracted about 1000 people.
The Art in the Garden auction at Pie Melon Bay had to be postponed last Friday and will now be held from 5pm to 8.30pm on Saturday 3 December.
Eight committee members on Jassy Dean Trust have worked since March to bring the garden safari to fruition and about 100 volunteers pitched in on the day.
The 13 private gardens that opened for visitors looked “great” and garden designer Xanthe White’s talk at Batch Winery was a highlight of the weekend, says Michelle.
About 100 families with sick children apply for help from Jassy Dean Trust each year and receive funds for travel to hospital appointments and medical costs.
Fullers donates hundreds of ferry tickets for use by families with sick children and the trust gives these out, sometimes adding cash to meet extra costs.
“It just eases the pain a little, so they can get to Starship Hospital easily,” says Michelle.
The total funds raised in this year’s garden safari are still being tallied up and another garden safari is planned for early next summer.
People can still buy tickets for Art in the Garden, which features works by local, national and international artists and music by The Buzz Bars.
Tickets are $65 from Paper Plus in Oneroa or at www.iTicket.co.nz and include a drink and appetisers.
Those who can’t make the new date can get a refund from the ticket outlet.
• Rose Davis
