Hit the Trail: Episode 5: King/McDonald/HobartHaven
Today we hear all about Centuria Taranaki Garden Festivals Tikoki Garden in New Plymouth owned by Janet and John King, where visitors can meander down the path to a delightful sanctuary garden filled with rhododendrons, roses and a terraced vegetable garden. We also hear about the backyard revolution at Hobart Haven, Hayley and Seton Pennell’s vibrant space that talks the talk of Refuse, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle as they prepare for the Sustainable Backyards Trail. Then Nelson and Virginia chat with stone carver Kevin McDonald whose passion lies with his hammer and chisel ahead of the Taranaki Arts Trail.
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Hit the Trail: Episode 4: Brumley/BushiesKarma/Larkin
Lee & Roland Brumley welcome us into their Carrington Rd garden and chat with Virginia about The Yews that featured in NZ House & Garden magazine; Sophie chats with Kama Burwell, one of the hosts on the Sustainable Farms Tail 2025. Learn about her whānau farm in Kaimata where the care about the whenua and creating a thriving, resilient farm; and Virginia chats with the super talented potter Juliet Larkin who explores form, tension, imbalance, texture, and emotion—often through the vessel form in her work.
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Hit the Trail: Episode 3: Cockerill/Silk/Pip Guthrie
Today we hear all about the Cockerill's Garden Te Rongohua in Kinross Drive, that is set amongst the woodlands and blends natural beauty with artistic flair, we hear about Planting, Power & Paddocks with Jamie Silk. From experimenting with livestock diets to riparian and hillside planting, renewable energy, and hands-on learning, Jamie’s lifestyle block on Weld Road is a living lab of sustainability. We end today chatting with photographer Pip Guthrie whose photography embodies a blend of the familiar, sometimes the unremarkable with narratives woven into the fabric of everyday life that are often go unnoticed.
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Hit the Trail: Episode 2: Jenny & John Pease, Stu & Wendy, & Jo Stallard
From lush gardens to rural backyards and vibrant art studios, this week’s trail is bursting with stories and inspiration. Virginia Winder drops by Gravetye in Hāwera to meet Jenny and John Pease, whose garden is a tapestry of colour and charm for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival. Sophie Walker heads out to Korito to chat with Stu from Stu & Wendy’s Lil' Slice sustainable paradise. Their journey is packed with laughter, inspiration, and clever tips, plus some brilliant hacks to keep your own backyard humming. And Nelson Smart joins Virginia to catch up with Stratford painter Jo Stallard of the Fenton St Arts Collective, diving into the creative spark that fuels her work on the Taranaki Arts Trail.
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Hit the Trail: Episode 1 - June Lees, Jo-anne Mowat & JD Reid
Love gardens, art, and sustainable living? Then join Virginia Winder, Sophie Walker and Nelson Smart as they take you behind the scenes of Taranaki’s iconic festivals. Virginia visits Cairnhill in Toko with June Lees, uncovering the magic of heritage gardens in full bloom for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival. Sophie steps inside Magpie’s Rest in Huirangi/Waitara, where Jo-anne Mowat shares her journey building a warm, soulful passive solar home from repurposed treasures for The Sustainable Trails. And Nelson and Virginia sit down with artist JD Reid to explore creativity, craft, and connection on the Taranaki Arts Trail.
Love gardens, art, and a touch of inspiration? Then Hit the Trail with hosts Virginia Winder, Nelson Smart and Sophie Walker! Every Tuesday at 1pm, we’ll bring you the inside scoop on the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, the Sustainable Trails, and the Taranaki Arts Trail. From interviews with passionate gardeners and artists, to tips and stories that make these festivals come alive – we’ve got everything you need to plan your perfect trail.
New Zealand