The strongest indication that we’re in a good long haul of tropical and subtropical trends and flavors in the garden this year is landscape designer Jules Moore’s new nursery, Touch of the Tropics.
Opening once Auckland emerged from a strict lockdown late last year, the six-acre site on the outskirts of the North Shore – one of our city’s largest and most populous suburbs – is a quiet oasis filled with surprising design features and smart landscaping solutions (of course).
And of course, the plants as far as the eye can see: leafy ferns, big-leaved trees, soaring bamboos and statuary palms complemented by a plethora of native New Zealand flora, punctuated by pops of catchy color from daylilies, vireyas, cannas, camellias and bromeliads.
As you wander through the welcoming landscape, Moore’s eclectic collection of antiques, vintage gardening tools, and charming old garden ornaments large and small guide you through the many sections or “rooms” of varying sizes – each displaying plant collections befitting the site.
Abigail Dougherty/Staff
Jules Moore relaxes in a corner of her new nursery with her woodland resident cat, Beep.
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They serve, of course, to help you see the possibilities in your space. Wrestling with a problematic spot? Watch what grows in Shade Lovers and Fernery. Are you looking for lush plants that are larger than their life span? Jurassic Junction has what you need. Yet which plants no one seems to have more? Head to the Specialty Botanical District – another passion dear to Moore’s heart.
“Aside from the tropics, we have a lot of unusual and rare plants here, and my vision is to bring them back to people’s gardens,” she says, referring to the Dutch pipe vine (Aristolochia macrophylla) She is training her palm.
Not far from Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum) in need of a sheltered, shaded place. “This is the evergreen variety, I also have the other, which is deciduous,” she explains.
Abigail Dougherty/Staff
Lush tropical and subtropical cuisines are available as well as ancient species and plants that are hard to find at Touch of the Tropics.
The nursery is dotted with charming cabana-like structures and gorgeous caves, and some display shelves dress up skirts made of dried linen. All contribute to the warm and inviting tropical feel.
There’s more, too, as Moore has been planning and designing since she bought the property in 2017, starting with filling in an old bog that took over the space, leaving plenty of old bamboo in place on the border, which is amazing. Old cactus tree.
“There will also be two waterfalls, and a Japanese café accessible from a curved lane,” she says. “I see a theater as well, where I hope we can have live music on Sundays so people can come and enjoy it all.”
Abigail Dougherty/Staff
This display shows how bromeliads can bring color and structure to the garden.
I have placed a lot of seating not only in this area but also around the entire nursery. People aim to meander and absorb the inspiration that the different spaces provide. “When they come, people go on a journey where they develop their philosophy about what they want to create, their sanctuary,” she explains.
Of course, it was Moore’s Garden that won Best in Show, Best in Excellence in Construction, Horticulture Gold Medal, and the Peoples’ Choice Award at the 2018 Auckland Flower & Garden Show.
“On another level, my work has always taken a holistic approach…I want to design places that are difficult for people to leave, but then come out from the other side of the garden feeling better and rejuvenated.”
Abigail Dougherty/Staff
This nursery is the culmination of years of planning and then months of waiting for the closure to end.
It’s a well-served approach. Although proud of these awards, she considers a touch of the tropics the culmination of her years in landscape design and horticulture. “Best of all, Touch of the Tropics is the screen I never have to remove,” she smiles.
Touch of the Tropics is open every day. 62 Trig Rd., Weinawaby. For more information, call 0800 526372 or visit touchofthetropics.co.nz.