2025 Home & Garden Ramble
(coming soon)
Home & Garden Etiquette
ETIQUETTE GUIDELINE
To retain the goodwill of those who have opened their homes and gardens to the public, it is important that all visitors follow closely some fundamental courtesies of house and garden etiquette.
Please respect the privacy of the owners and if entering their home only go to those areas designated, and do not open any closed doors or cupboards.
Remove shoes if entering homes.
Please wear flat shoes in the gardens.
Mind your step. Be aware of uneven ground, roots and low hanging branches. Watch your step to prevent tripping or falling.
Homes and gardens are only open at the times printed in the programme. Please respect the times of opening.
MOBILITY ISSUES
Anyone with mobility issues is welcome to drive onto properties and park.
TOILET FACILITIES
For your convenience, public toilets are situated at the 'i-site' Arawata Street, Te Awamutu (opposite the Rose Gardens), Lyon Street, Kihikihi (under the clock tower), as well as venues 2 & 12.
2025 RAMBLE SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER
12 beautiful local homes & gardens to view.
This years Home and Garden Ramble offers an eclectic mix of homes and gardens for ramblers along with a number of stalls offering a diverse range of products. Our major recipients are Te Awamutu Food Forest, Te Awamutu Health Shuttle & Waipa / King Country Life Education Trust. The money we raise on the day also supports other Altrusa literacy and community projects.
1. Pam Browne
HOUSE & GARDEN
Architect firm New Vision Architecture, builder Rob and Jane Shelton, joinery Got it Made, pond design Jane Burmester.
Pam moved into her new build home over a year ago and began creating a garden to compliment and contrast the building. Entrance to the property is over a bridge spanning the pond. The house looms strong and structural in deep grey Equitone cladding.
A row of Juniper Kaizuko Cloud trees make a striking impression. A sophisticated and simplistic interior is decorated in muted shades of grey and white. Soaring ceilings, huge windows and extra width hallways lead into the open plan living area with casual seating and expansive dining seating. The sleek kitchen is equipped with premium appliance and benches. Sunlight in this room is controlled with electric blinds that recess into the ceiling. Large doors open onto a vast deck with al fresco dining and seating.
This serene, elegant home is designed for effortless living and comfort. Out from the deck the bank has been terraced and mass planted with Lime Tiff Lowmandra grasses that ripple and sway in the wind. There is an orchard at the top of the property with a grouping of weeping Silver Birch and a beautiful green garden showcasing garden art and specimen trees.
Parking on the roadway.
2. Myra Fitzgerald
HOUSE, GARDEN & MORNING TEA
The gravel driveway meanders up through an avenue of mature trees to the brick house of Myra and Bevian, nestled among gardens with views over the neighbourhood.
Entering this charming home the ambiance of yesteryear is reflected in chandeliers, mirrors, antique furniture and restored Rimu doorways and fittings. A testament to the skill and flair of Myra and Bevian.
The farmhouse kitchen is central to an office/snug, a generous living room and dining room.
Built during lockdown is a large conservatory with doors opening to the back garden and tennis court which provides a delightful space for alfresco dining and relaxing in all seasons.
Centre stage is a magnificent weeping cherry tree to linger under in cool shade.
There will Arts and Crafts available to purchase here. Cash only
Please take care when driving in and out of this property as there are several blind corners at the beginning of the driveway. Parking is in the paddock to right or shed area to left.
Toilet stop.
3. Ross & Sue Ridley, Te Awamutu
HOUSE & GARDEN
Ross and Sue have lived on their twelve acre property for three years.
Approaching the house up the winding driveway, the twenty three year old brick homestead is slowly revealed. It is positioned amongst mature plantings of specimen trees and under planted with swathes of spring bulbs, violets and summer perennials.
Twin weeping maples and gardens flank the beautiful doorway which opens into a large airy entrance way.
To the right are the reception rooms, a large family kitchen and living area, a separate dining room and charming lounge.
The decor and furnishings are elegant and serene.
These rooms flow seamlessly to a covered patio, where dappled sunlight filters through the leaves of a large Judas tree.
On street parking.
4a. Noel & Margaret Watson
GARDEN & WALKWAYS
This garden is a labour of love for the owner. Spread over 3 acres, it includes many exotic trees and rare specimens acquired over the years. Wander the numerous walkways down to the pond and note the pieces of garden art in among the trees and plantings.
Paintings for sale by Nan Poppe – in owners retreat below pond.
Parking on the road.
5. Jonathan & Claire Makush
HOUSE & GARDEN
Created by the owners in collaboration with New Vision Architecture and built in 2022 by Connor Hamilton Construction, the house was carefully designed to make the most of the existing plot. With its striking angled roof and eye-catching textured metal cladding, it stands out from the crowd. Inside, you’ll find open, light-filled spaces thoughtfully created for comfortable family living, with warm, welcoming finishes that feel both modern and relaxed. Outside, the impressive entertaining area features a developing garden, greenhouse, wood-fired pizza oven, and a sparkling pool—offering something for every season.
The custom pottery studio—home to Tane Ceramics, adds a creative flair, with handcrafted pieces available for purchase on the day. It’s a home full of heart, creativity, and inspiration—come take a look!
Ceramics for sale here.
Cash or Direct Credit. No Eftpos
Parking on Kihikihi Rd, Raikes Avenue or Mandeno St.
6. Di Gudsell
GARDEN ONLY
10 MEADOWBANK CRESCENT, KIHIKIHI
The bones of this garden are very old and many of the trees and rock edging are testament to that.
A large range of plants are the mainstay of the garden, with the love of hostas, planted throughout, and in pots, beginning whilst still at school. Roses have always been a favourite and many of the ‘My Rose’ collection from Matthew’s and David Austin variety are to be found.
Plants associated with family and friends hold treasured memories and as the number of all specimens grew the garden expanded through the gate to the outside section. In the vegetable patch do check out the shallots that have been in the family for over 60 years.
In retirement, a garden shed found a sunny spot behind the house and is a favourite place to take coffee, peruse gardening literature and tend seedlings.
Some of the paths are constructed with golf course markers from when the Puahue Course was closed.
Please take care on these paths as tree roots have uplifted them. Also watch the step from the shed.
Take time to sit and enjoy.
On street parking.
7. Kimma Coltman
HOME & BUSH WALK
A Constant Work in Progress: Ten Years, One House, and a Forest Full of Stories
We purchased this property 10 years ago and were advised to "knock the house down" It would've made one heck of a bonfire.
But instead, over many years and room by room, we got to work. We have a fully renovated home - Modern, contemporary, and rocking a few subtle nods to the 70's that we just couldn't part with.
We're the fourth generation to call this land home. My late father planted out the woodlands - a living, breathing legacy filled with wildlife and many stories. For now, we are caretakers on the land, adding our chapter to the story.
"A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit."
My father planted these trees not for himself, but for us and future generations to enjoy.
8. TA Food Forest
COMMUNITY GARDEN
FOOTPATH BESIDE 208 GLENEAGLES DRIVE
This project is strongly supported by Altrusa and its proximity to venues 9 and 10 gives an opportunity for you to discover a vibrant community space where everyone is welcome to gather, grow, learn and share.
The Pekapekarau Food Forest is an inspiring example of how unused green space can be transformed into a flourishing edible garden for all. Fruit trees, vegetable beds, native plantings and composting systems work together to produce fresh seasonal food that is freely available to the community. Volunteers, local schools and groups all help maintain this living classroom which supports sustainability, food resilience and wellbeing. Take a wander and see how simple idea can grow into a place of connection and abundance for everyone.
Parking on Gleneagles Drive.
9. Gail Corboy
HOUSE & GARDEN
A wall of Camelia hedging leads to the front door of this large brick house.
The cream tiles of the entrance way continue through to the spacious living areas, freshly painted in subtle hues of soft purple and white
The living area has a separate sitting room. The dining area and family room are open to the kitchen making a very generous space. All rooms open out to the wrap around paved garden.
A studio for Gail’s creative work sits along one wall of the courtyard garden which is a sheltered and sunny oasis planted with lush purple flowering Tibouchina, weeping Maple and Cycads. A wonderful space to enjoy.
Crafts and sewing for sale here. Beautiful children’s coats made by Gail. Cash and bank transfer.
Parking on street
10. Linda Bennett
GARDEN ONLY
60 SAINT ANDREWS WAY, TE AWAMUTU
This very attractive cottage style garden shows off the many and varied plants, both annuals and perennials with the clever use of hedging and in some areas double hedging.
There is a steppingstone path surrounded by ajuga that winds along the side of the house to the raised vegetable beds at the rear. Trees are mostly evergreen but with some Maples and Kowhai to attract the birds.
There is a great diversity of plants including a whole bed of Marlborough rock daisies and another bed with a marvellous collection of succulents.
Parking on street.
11. John & Judy Hine, Puahue
HOME & GARDEN
Five years ago, when John and Judy decided to build, their brief to L.A.D.Architects was a home that captured the light and views of the Waikato mountains and countryside. Equally important was the creation of a garden that would be a paradise for birds. The project was entrusted to Lynley of Line and Design Landscaping.
Matching stands of Beulah Jacquemontii birch flank the entrance to the house, which is a bold structure of Hinuera stone and grey Colour Steel.
To the side is an intensely planted bank of Kōwhai, Bottlebrush, Banksia Protea and flax.
Entering the house the light and scenery pour in through the expansive windows.
The vaulted ceilings hung with clear pendant lights create an airy ambiance to this generous open plan living area, made for easy living around the beautiful kitchen area.
Of special interest is a bespoke stained - glass panel of the Rangiaowhia Church and native birds, made for a previous home. It was removed and carefully installed in the wall of a sitting room.
The wooden flooring leads out to the extensive decking, offering multiple areas to relax and enjoy the large garden and views beyond
Altrusa Plant stall, cash only.
Parking on concrete driveway or road.
12. Rosenvale, Penny & Ken Diprose
GARDEN, CHAPEL & MORNING TEA
Rosenvale is more than simply a function centre. It’s grounds, expanded over the last 36 years by Penny with the help of Ken, have hidden surprises – Mature trees tower over the manicured lawns edged with deliberately created gardens separating out the various areas. Entry through the ‘woodlands’, which gives way to views of rustic charm. As additional facilities have been built, the grounds and gardens have expanded with new paths and corners created for photographic backdrops – be they floral, sculptural, structural or rural. Check out the wisteria lined walkway, the charming Chapel and the beautiful flowering shrubs and plants growing in unexpected containers. Enjoy your visit.
Toilet stop.
Car park.
RECIPIENT OF THE FUNDS RAISED
Kids in Need Waikato
"Kids in Need Waikato supports children from birth to 17 years old, who are being raised in care. They have been operating as a charitable trust since 2018 and proudly serve children and their caregivers throughout the Waikato and Rotorua. Their team which includes 30 volunteers, assemble seasonal care packs of basic necessities and organise an annual Christmas gift drive. They currently support almost 1300 children in care. Altrusa's Garden Ramble funds will be used to purchase items such as clothing and shoes for the care packs."
RECIPIENT OF THE FUNDS RAISED
Citizens Advice Bureau
“The Citizens Advice Bureau Te Awamutu helps people to know and understand their rights and obligations and to use this knowledge to assist them achieve better outcomes in the day to day challenges that they may face. Last year CAB Te Awamutu handled over 4500 client enquiries as well as hosting free JP, legal advice, budgeting and technology clinics that were attended by over 2000 clients. CAB Te Awamutu gets no funding from central government so relies on organisations such as Altrusa for grants and donations. The money donated by Altrusa will be used for operational costs and allow the CAB to continue providing a valuable service to the Te Awamutu community.”
Many thanks to Mitre 10, Homeward, Julia Empson & Ruby Rose for their raffle donations.
CONTACT US
Have a general enquiry? Leave us a message.
View the Home & Garden Ramble Etiquette and Mobility here
CONTACT DETAILS
Email. altrusata@gmail.com
Phone. 0274046652