COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE FEATURE SUPPLEMENT (DECEMBER 2004)
When you know 180 overseas garden centre retailers are about to descend on
your country and visit your garden centres, it concentrates the mind
wonderfully.
It’s like having important guests to dinner. Everything has to be tidied, the
kids hidden and the best put on show.
And under the leadership of Lance Bills, chairman of this year’s IGCA
organising committee, the programme, selected garden centres and entertainment
culminating in the black tie dinner in Wellington were all first class for the
46th International Garden Centre Congress 3-8 October.
Congress is the major highlight of the year for those delegates prepared to
visit another country to see how its garden centres operate, pick up ideas, make
contacts and renew friendships generally combining this with either a pre-tour,
post-tour or private holiday.
The delegates, who came from the UK, several European countries, USA, SA, Japan
and Australia could not but enjoy the varied and crammed Kiwi Ingenuity week of
visits to Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington garden centres and tourist spots,
all punctuated and spiced with food, wine and entertainment.
Waiheke Sunday
Following registration, at Auckland’s Stamford Plaza Hotel delegates, many
wearing their smart black back packs from pot manufacturer Paul Eschbach, were
put into groups named after New Zealand’s native birds - Kakapo, Tui, Kea,
Pukeko and Hoiho. Then, led by leaders (Kiwi) in their distinctive bright green
shirts walked to the Ferry terminal to board a Fullers Quickcat where nibbles,
wine and beer awaited them for the Oase-sponsored evening.
A short tour round the harbour and a fast ride to Matiatia on Waiheke Island was
followed by a short walk to The Harbourmaster restaurant and a meal of fish and
chips!
Hunger overcame sophistication, and delectable though this meal was, it was the
first of what became humorously referred to as one of three or four
knife-and-fork less dinners delegates were to experience.
But as Lance Bills said, “We want to show our guests a typical Kiwi experience
and you can’t get more Kiwi than fish and chips at the beach.” For dessert,
events organiser and icecream boy, Luke Paardekooper, handed out another Kiwi
delight, Trumpet icecreams.
Gerard Berkelmans, president of the IGCA, opened the Kiwi Ingenuity Congress
thanking the New Zealand organisers, saying how much all delegates were looking
forward to the tour to see ‘this Kiwi ingenuity’.
Pleasant music provided by the Nairobi Trio had people up and dancing although
jetlag constrained a few. Others were quite content to catch up on friends and
acquaintances or make new ones before boarding the Quickcat back to Auckland.
Those in the know were a little perturbed by the rising north-easterly and the
falling barometer which, in Auckland, almost always portends at least one or two
days of rain.
Back at the Stamford by 10.30, the more knowing delegates or the more jetlagged
retired immediately because wakeup time was scheduled for 6.15am.
Monday
The coach crews had already been up an hour or more and briefed for the day’s
activities by the time most delegates awoke early on a grey Monday morning.
Unfortunately many delegates had been led to believe New Zealand was enjoying
Spring or that it is a land of perpetual Summer. Coach crews tried to say this
was unusual weather for October but failed to convince many who had just arrived
from a northern Summer.
A strong wind and a light drizzle accompanied the coaches to the first port of
call, and the first garden centre in New Zealand, Palmers Glen Eden in West
Auckland owned by Mark and Tania Mesarich and to be welcomed by West Auckland
mayor, Bob Harvey.
President Gerard Berkelmans in his charming and sincere manner thanked Mark and
Tania presenting them with an IGCA certificate, a task he was to carry out with
the same easy style with all subsequent hosts.
Because the garden centre has a large area under cover, delegates enjoyed their
visit admiring the well-organised, fully-stocked benches and attractive displays
of this lifestyle garden centre and also appreciated the coffee and snacks
provided by the large cafe.
One German visitor liked the way plants were placed with the Christmas gifts –
“the living with the objects.”
Palmers large strip banners were also a major talking point for many delegates.
Frank Doyle of Arboretum Garden Centre, County Carlow, Ireland, noted “the
banners are very effective and help break up sightlines to the houses backing on
to the garden centre.”
Frenchwoman Claudine Poullain of Domaine Poullain, La Queue les Yvelines said,
“what is surprising is to see plants in such condition and quality and you
have plants here that go all year.”
Once back on the coaches it was down the motorway to the distinctive
pavilion-styled Pakuranga Palmers Gardenworld where in slightly improved
conditions, John Russell warmly welcomed delegates.
The ambience of this garden centre was enhanced by singers and musicians from
Pakuranga College and savouries and coffee warmed and satisfied the inner man
and woman once again.
Delegates remarked on the outdoor display setup with the circular route taking
people past all the displays and opening up new vistas at the same time.
Stephen Spencer, of Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester, admired the native grasses
and phormium commenting that phormiums Maori Sunrise and Princess are popular in
the UK.
“You do pick up ideas from these visits” he said. “Seeing other garden
centres can set off a train of thought about what you are doing yourself. And
whether you can do it better by giving it a tweak. It can also remind you of
what you should be doing, too. But you can be too stressed about detail,” he
added.
Giftlines here were popular with delegates too and only the repeated ringing of
the bell by Congress timekeeper Richard Bowater finally flushed the delegates
out.
The five coaches then wended their way through the suburb of Howick to Ayrlies
at Whitford. This large garden, the result of 40 years loving labour and
creativity by Bev Connell, was a major hit.
The rain held off but skies stayed grey and the wind remained cool and strong.
Here it was a picnic lunch in brown paper bags (knife and forkless of course) in
a marquee.
In small groups led by guides or on their own, delegates wandered the large
gardens expressing amazement and delight at what Bev and her gardeners had
achieved. Many could not believe tree heights after only 40 years and were
surprised to see certain plants normally a season or two apart flowering at the
same time.
Bev’s natural charm, good humour and deep knowledge of the garden and its
plants captivated delegates until it was time to board the waiting coaches to
head back over the bridge to Kings Plant Barn, Silverdale.
A major feature of past Congresses has been the stealing of mascots and signs
from other coaches or groups. This tradition continued here. During the day, Tui
delegates had managed to collect all five and were clamouring for a photo to
prove their success.
Part owner of Kings, Doug Godfrey who with wife, Miriam, was also one of the
coach leaders, welcomed people in the shelter of the large drive-through to the
garden centre which has several other leisure-oriented businesses on site.
The huge covered display area and shop area kept people dry as despite a
sustained and drenching downpour, they wandered through the well-ordered,
well-stocked garden centre with people remarking on the great sense of space and
clean fresh look. At the cafe wine was being served and a table laden with warm
and savoury “comfort food” ensured no-one would leave hungry.
In the gathering gloom the coaches left for the Stamford where French team of
Henri Delbard and Stephanie Andre at a wine and nibbles hour promoted the 2005
Congress which will centre on Paris. Returning to their rooms delegates found a
match-box-sized music box which played the romantic, La vie en Rose the theme
song for the Congress — a charming touch.
Then it was off for an evening at the Skytower where again, a huge array of
finger foods and wines helped a convivial evening pass quickly.
Unfortunately, a highlight planned for the evening had to be cancelled. A victim
or volunteer from each bus had been chosen during the day to make a ‘controlled
descent’, ie bungy jump, but 60-plus winds at the top of the Skytower put an
end to this. We didn’t hear too much protesting from those chosen but most of
the would-be spectators felt a little let down!
Tuesday
Scotts Tiki Tour Day
Breakfast over, sharp at 7.30am buses headed to Matamata. According to most
reports, delegates were asleep as the coaches rolled through the scenic beauty
of Waikato, detouring only briefly thanks to a truck accident before making an
obligatory toilet stop at Matamata.
The coaches then wound their way over the Kaimai Range, three of them heading to
Decor Gardenworld in Tauranga and two to Pacifica in Papamoa.
Décor staff, looking “pretty in pink”, greeted delegates at the entrance
and there was a warm welcome from proprietors Dave and Ginny Clark. This very
popular garden centre impressed delegates with its ambience and the strong
feeling of “family”.
Lambs, kids and a shearing demonstration provided country atmosphere and the
cafe with kiwifruit, muffins and coffee was well patronised. Several delegates
produced their plastic to purchase gifts from the large selection on display.
The 30 minute journey to Papamoa was lengthened by 10 -15 minutes following an
accident not far from the garden centre. According to Kakapo coach leader,
Richard Bowater, to see two accidents within a couple of hours was very unusual
— but then he’s from Ashburton in the South Island.
The sun shone again as Bonnie Bell and Bev Potter, staff and a trio of hobbits
welcomed delegates to the unique Pacifica garden centre which specialises in
hardy coastal plants and giftlines. Guitar and harp music by Music by Harper
made for a pleasant hour as delegates enjoyed the atmosphere. “It’s a garden
centre which certainly suits its environment and catchment,” said one.
More gifts were purchased, the bell rang and soon after the coaches headed into
Tauranga accompanied by sunshine almost to the door of Palmers Gardenworld
before a sudden squall struck.
The welcome took place inside but astute businessman Peter Waymam ensured his
customers continued to push their way through to the tills.
Christmas department, giftlines, well-stocked benches, product demonstrations,
great displays and plenty of activity marked this store.
A highlight of this garden centre was Michael Joyce, The Story Teller, who not
only captivated the listening children but also involved some delegates in one
of his stories.
A tame dove was also a hit with Norwegian Paul Skajem of Skajem Hagesenter,
Oslo.
Lunch for those who had worked up an appetite despite now having grazed three
times was at Naturally Native nursery where Mark Dean and his staff made the
nursery the delegates’ home for the afternoon.
Four food stations including beautifully cooked chops, kebabs, chicken thighs
and even whitebait attracted delegates who, satisfied, walked around the
nursery. Libertia Goldfinger near the entrance made a huge impression.
Delegates slept again as the coaches headed south to Rotorua and Whakarewarewa.
Here, with their guides, delegates saw the geyser Pohutu in full spout.
This occasioned one of the memorable lines of Congress. A competition over the
week involved pump makers, Oase. At most garden centres delegates were to seek
out an Oase display, then grade it 1-10, the winner to take away a 3000 euros
prize to be announced at the Gala dinner in Wellington. A straight-faced Gerard
asked if Pohutu was powered by an Oase pump!
The maori guide for the Kakapo coach also amused with his story of how a large
pool of bubbling mud was used as a military stratagem. When an invading tribe
approached, the local tribe covered the pool with branches and foliage. They
would then taunt their enemies who would run across the foliage losing not only
their wrinkles but also their lives.
From Whakarewarewa it was a short haul to Tamaki Village, another major
highlight. Before arrival a ‘chief’ from each coach had been picked to face
the warrior challenge in front of the pa entrance, while other warriors
gesticulated fiercely from the palisades — a very dramatic scene in the dusk.
Once inside, Maori women and warriors, in the light of blazing firepits,
performed traditional stick games, poi and haka. An onstage performance by Maori
provided insight into their cultural heritage then the delegates entered the
dining hall to enjoy a beautifully-prepared hangi and to loud and delighted
applause the delegates were able to use —- knives and forks.
Meal over, it was “Now is the Hour’ and back into the coaches where a deep
silence reigned for the three hour drive back to Auckland.
Wednesday Hozelock Adventures Day
The first call in the morning was to Kings Plant Barn, Remuera. This garden
centre caters almost exclusively for its surrounding clientele, the more wealthy
of Auckland’s citizens, explained Doug Godfrey. Strong on water features,
statuary and large grade plants it earned itself the thumbs up from several
delegates for its upmarket look and plant quality.
Now came the parting of the ways. Half the delegates headed to the airport for
an 11.30am flight to an as yet undivulged activity in Wellington; the other half
stayed in Auckland for an also unknown activity.
At Wellington four helicopters (Helipro) were waiting on the tarmac to whisk
people four or five at a time across the harbour to Pencarrow Lodge.
These people thought they had the best of the split.
On a clear day in a bracing wind, the view from Pencarrow Lodge to the Kaikouras
was simply ‘magnifique’ And the closer view of the table groaning under its
burden of French cutlets, chicken, beef and ham on the bone followed by pavlova
and fruit was almost as magnificent. And the bar wasn’t a bad sight either.
Singable music from loud speakers on the wide deck soon had people dancing and
by departure time people were in a very good mood indeed.
Auckland stayers visited Eden Park and by all accounts enjoyed an absorbing
speech by New Zealand Rugby icon somewhat loosely associated with horticulture,
Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads. Although many were more familiar with the roundball
game, they enjoyed the chance to meet the great man, visit the museum and have
an excellent lunch.
Reunited as a group back in Wellington it was down to the harbour for the
Hozelock Challenge which saw coach teams pitted against each other in a race to
assemble their hoses and stream water on to a sign some 50 metres away. Needless
to say cheating was the order of the day and the best team (Kakapo) did not win.
From there it was a short walk to Te Papa and a beautifully presented dinner
accompanied by New Zealand wines and a jazz group. A concert by the Whitireia
concert group was another entertainment highlight, as they sang and danced three
20 minute programmes of Maori and Island songs.
Thursday
Felco Day
Two garden centres were on the schedule for the Felco-sponsored Thursday. The
first was Warren Kwok’s impressive California Home and Garden in Lower Hutt, a
garden centre full of plants, water features, pots and gifts in well-constructed
displays and still showing its early market garden days with its glasshouse
converted into a showroom.
Calfornia’s large rose section was noted and also its centrally-situated cafe
which gave customers both inside and outside views. Morning tea was welcome and
delegates were farewelled by a delightful Maori concert group from nearby Epuni
Primary School.
It was a short drive to the family-owned Zenith Garden Centre to be welcomed by
Neville Chun.
IGCA president Gerard Berkelmans asked Neville whether the word “Zenith” had
some significance — “a Chinese letter perhaps”. Neville’s reply: “actually
it’s the name of a carburettor” caused laughter. Apparently his grandfather
was keen on racing cars.
Delegates wandered through the centre enjoying both the ambience of its displays
and plant combinations of what is the second oldest garden centre in New Zealand
(1960’s).
The crop-covered cafe, another instance of Kiwi ingenuity, served delicious
morning tea and coffee, despite its visitors having had morning tea and coffee
only five minutes or so before. Such is the life of a delegate.
One also commented that “everywhere we have seen how good retailing is without
spending a lot of money as we do in Europe.”
With some time before lunch coaches detoured to Mt Victoria giving people a
sweeping view of the Wellington Harbour.
At the Skyline Restaurant delegates picked up their boxed lunches and those who
wished to took a leisurely walk in light drizzle through the Wellington Botanic
Gardens.
Several shop-starved delegates took the cable car down to Lambton Quay as the
increasing rain threatened to halt the afternoon’s proceedings.
But the decision was made to carry on and though fewer in number the more hardy
watched a demonstration of that unique Kiwi activity, chainsaw carving. From a
macrocarpa log Del Packer carved a large chair, with a leaf motif back, a kiwi
and some miniature chairs.
Delegates strolled with guides through the native bush to the visitors’ centre
to a welcome glass or two of mulled wine and icecream and a photo opportunity.
The Felco Kiwi Barbecue evening at California Home and Garden in Miramar was
another highlight of the week. A great touch was the Kia Ora IGCA welcome in
yellow marigolds at the front fence.
The only pity was delegates didn’t have enough daylight to see the whole
garden centre properly. However, even a glimpse of its stunning plant, pot and
gift displays was enough to show just why California has earned itself a top
reputation among New Zealand garden centres.
Most delegates were simply awestruck when they entered the revamped gas tank and
saw the huge interior display area. “Brilliant,” said one “unique, but a
true garden centre as we know it,” said another.
With Barry and Keith Lowe’s welcome over, Angelique Neukomm of Felco
Switzerland and Josep Giralt of Barcelona received cakes to celebrate their
birthdays.
Then it was on with the fun and festivities including the Felco pittosporum
pruning challenge, won by the Hoiho team.
This evening at California was one of varied and much-appreciated entertainment
— an All Black mime, a fire-thrower, a larger-than-life Fred Dagg whose
Gumboot song was an instant hit, the possum-carrying Southern man, complete with
Speights. Blood-chilling screams announced the sudden appearances of warrior
princess Xena brandishing her sword or striking fierce poses in various parts of
the garden centre.
But the pičce de resistance was undoubtedly the captivating performance of
aerobatic expert, Alice Caper-Star who entranced the crowd with her graceful
poses on mauve ribbons several metres above the floor.
And throughout the evening the chef and his team cooked fish, chops and chicken
to go with the heaped platters of salads and breads followed by pavlova and
fruit salad.
The Pitts’ band struck up lively tunes and several danced the rest of their
time away. When the last coach pulled away, the unanimous opinion was “absolutely
brilliant evening.”
Friday
The next morning the coaches were on the road again to Southward Car museum to
attend the Information Meeting where delegates were given a rundown on the IGCA
and several countries reported on their garden centre situations.
Then after morning tea and a look around the tremendous collection of cars, it
was onwards to Waikanae where Lance and Kathy Bills of Harrison’s Country
Gardenworld basked in what had been one of the week’s rare occurrences —
sunshine.
Again, a rural atmosphere and plenty of ambience especially with the hills
rising behind it, made this garden centre a popular hit. Gunter and Karla
Dinger, owners of Dingers Garten Center Koln in Germany, said they could pick up
good ideas here from the displays and use of signage.
“We are very impressed. I have not seen many garden centres with such high
quality. I know in New Zealand the outside area is important and here at
Harrisons and also at others I see many examples of quality and use of different
colour combinations. New Zealanders make the most of what they have.”
Another short drive to Pukehou saw Dean Robertson garbed as the wizard Gandolph
in a horse drawn cart which led delegates to a paddock where Jane Abbott,
horse-riding stunt double for Arwen (Liv Tyler) in Lord of The Rings, gave a
great display of horsemanship on Florian, her well-trained white stallion.
This curtailed a more lengthy look at the popular destination rurally-themed
garden centre which boasts perhaps the highest, longest and narrowest leylandii
hedge in the country.
Its large display of mature trees, wide selection of plants and well-stocked
giftshop capped off a great week of different and interesting garden centre
visits. “And we had some great sales of Lord of the Rings caps and T-shirts
etc,” said Grant Nickolls.
From Otaki with a boxed lunch and farewelled by the Valley Stompers band playing
old time music, it was back to Wellington by steam train leaving time for
delegates to prepare for social hour and the black tie dinner at the Wellington
Town Hall.
Dinner formalities were kept brief with president Gerard thanking organisers,
garden centres and the coach crews for the week’s hospitality and
opportunities, presenting each with a Swiss knife.
Bellmaster Richard Bowater formally handed the bell over to Henri Delbard whose
country France will host Congress next year.
Erwin Meier from Switzerland won a free registration as one of the earliest to
register.
Tom Courtright (USA) collected the 3000 Euros worth of trial as the Oase
competition winner.
Following dinner MC and impersonator Brett Rutledge, aka Billy Connolly, aka
Julian Clary aka Elvis, put on a half-hour show. His Billy Connolly
impersonation even had one of the catering staff rushing out from the kitchen to
see if it was indeed the Scottish comedian.
Those who could and even those who couldn’t, danced to the music of the de
Ville Brothers – then, suddenly, Congress 2004 was over.
Well, not quite. Delegates woke next morning to find a Yates-sponsored DVD
produced by Visual Media which encapsulated the week’s activities as a
valuable memento of their time in New Zealand.
Lance Bills, reflecting on the Congress a few days later, said, “New Zealand
garden centres aren’t necessarily superior or inferior to others throughout
the world. They’re just different. And that’s what we wanted to show them.
We showcased New Zealand and New Zealand garden centres extremely well.
“Congresses are really value for money as a way of learning, getting
information and sharing knowledge and experience with others. People are often
looking for just that one idea which can pay for the whole trip.
“What our guests saw were Kiwi examples of innovation, building structures,
layouts, merchandising, plant combinations, our unique garden statuary, water
features, and pots and top general displays.
“And from all accounts, they had a ball.”