ELLERSLIE VETERAN BEN HOYLE RETURNS FOR 2013 SHOW
13 Feb 2013
Hoyle, who won last year’s Yate’s People’s Choice Award for his water lily inspired garden She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not, has titled his latest garden A French Kiss in Akaroa.
Ellerslie International Flower Show veteran and crowd favourite Ben Hoyle has confirmed he will be attending next year’s show.
Hoyle, who won last year’s Yate’s People’s Choice Award for his water lily inspired garden She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not, has titled his latest garden A French Kiss in Akaroa. The exhibition garden is inspired by the history and influence of the early French settlers during the 1800’s in the Banks Peninsula region.
He describes the garden as “delicately intricate”, with a spiralling rata vine motif on a massive black water canvas.
“While being technically challenging the floating parterre (a formal garden construction) should be breathtakingly beautiful. The meandering vine symbolises the very nature of those early settlers journey and provides a unique walkway to the sunken ‘lounge pit’, where one can relax below the waterline.”
Hoyle says the biggest challenge is getting the two distinctly different gardening styles, from France and New Zealand, to work successfully together. French gardens are typically revolved around a concept of controlling nature with formality and order, while the New Zealand planting style is more natural.
“I’m pushing the boundaries again. Ellerslie always provides a unique opportunity for me to express fresh ideas and exciting concepts. I like to take risks and ultimately have a great deal of fun with plants in our country’s premier garden event.”
Hoyle’s garden, as in previous years, is typically theatrical but will also have some inspired ideas for home gardeners. There will be an assortment of new release plants, mixed with traditional favourites.
He will be onsite during the show, being held in North Hagley Park from 6 – 10 March, to talk to fellow gardeners and catch up with visitors.
“I have been coming to Ellerslie since 1998 and love getting to chat to the gardening enthusiasts that come to the show every year It’s great to share experiences with them and be energised by their enthusiasm.”
Tickets are available from the website www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz.