Sculptures in the garden

A kilometre-long trail through native bush, shrub-edged lawns, kitchen garden and orchard provides a multitude of gorgeous settings for 66 sculptures at the Kaipara Coast Garden Centre.

Exhibition 2010 opened at the sculpture gardens in November, with Prime Minister John Key officiating, and will remain in place for 11 months.

Well worth the 30-minute drive from the east coast, the sculpture gardens are set against the spectacular backdrop of the Kaipara Harbour and offer a range of experiences. Art lovers will appreciate the variety of the sculptures, from the humour of Jill Guilleman’s cheeky possums to the curvaceous grace of Daryl Fagence’s Whale Tail. Garden lovers will take delight in the ambitious landscaping and families might be tempted to enjoy a picnic by the ponds.

Experienced curator Sally Lush, whose own work is part of the exhibition, has thoughtfully positioned the artworks throughout the five-acre garden, which owners David and Geraldine Bayly opened in November 2008 to feature contemporary sculpture by established and emerging artists.

Visitors should allow 1.5 to two hours to soak in the landscape, plants and the artworks, created by Gill Gatfield, Sharonagh Montrose, Trish Clarke, Peter Lange, Jenny Smith, Richard Wedekind, Jocelyn Pratt, Jin Ling and others. All the works are for sale and are on show until October so that visitors can experience the art and gardens as the seasons change. Entry to the sculpture gardens costs $10 per adult, $5 per child (age 5-13) and $25 for a family.

Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens is located at Kaipara Coast Plant Centre at 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, 4 km north of Kaukapakapa on SH16.

Some events happening at the gardens over summer (normal entry costs apply):
Saturday January 9: Gardens open until 9pm so visitors can enjoy the sculptures and art during the evening.
Sunday January 10: Join artist and curator Sally Lush on an informative walk around the sculpture gardens to learn more about the artists and the background to their work, 10am to 11.30am.
Friday January 15: Join horticulturist and sculpture gardens owner David Bayly on an informative walk around the gardens looking at the plants, trees and garden styles, 9.30am to 11.00am.
Anniversary Monday February 1: Anniversary Teddy Bears’ Picnic and treasure hunt from 10am. Bring your children, teddies and a picnic and look for hidden treasure in the gardens.

Flock of Sheep by Toy Murchie

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