A Unified Vision – Documenting the Te Puke Coast Lions Garden Ramble 2025

The Te Puke Coast Lions Garden Ramble 2025 concluded recently, marking another triumphant year for this vital local fundraiser. Beyond the beauty of the gardens themselves, the event provided a powerful demonstration of the collective mission and synergy of the Vector Group Charitable Trust and its key initiatives. Our shared commitment to strengthening the community—whether through digital literacy, local enterprise, or food security—was channelled into fully documenting the Ramble, ensuring its success resonated far beyond the weekend.

The event, which ran from Friday through Sunday, opened up a curated selection of the Bay of Plenty’s most exquisite private gardens to the public. Each space was a unique reflection of its owner’s passion, skill, and deep connection to the land.

The Gardens: A Tapestry of Local Horticulture

Visitors were treated to dramatically different landscapes, showcasing the region’s diverse microclimates. One unforgettable stop was the “Coastal Sanctuary,” a sprawling native restoration project. Its design was a testament to ecological stewardship, featuring mature Pōhutukawa and intricate, naturally-finished boardwalks weaving through regenerating Manuka and other endemic species. This garden was an inspiring example of resilient, aesthetically pleasing, and low-maintenance landscaping that worked in perfect harmony with the coastal environment.

In stark contrast, the “Artisan’s Potager” captivated those interested in productivity and design. This was a highly successful working kitchen garden, yet presented with the formality of a French parterre. Rows of heirloom vegetables—including jewel-toned kale, vibrant runner beans, and tiered globe artichokes—were thoughtfully interwoven with fragrant herbs and flowers for cutting. The garden’s philosophy centred on kai resilience, demonstrating that food production can be both highly practical and deeply beautiful. A highlight was the meticulously trained espalier fruit trees that formed a picturesque, edible border.

The third celebrated garden, dubbed “The Tropical Escape,” offered a unique deviation. Tucked slightly inland, the owners had cultivated a stunning microclimate allowing for an impressive display of exotic species. Palms, vibrant bromeliads, and unusual flowering plants created a dense, textural environment. The intentional layering of foliage and strategically placed water features amplified the sense of lush, humid serenity, providing a vivid splash of colour and contrast to the region’s typical horticulture.

🏡 Ramble Highlights and Impact

From serene private retreats to expansive rural landscapes, each garden had its own unique charm and story to tell. Along the journey, guests enjoyed food trucks, raffles, stalls, and a vintage vehicle display. They also got involved in exciting events such as local floristry legend, Murray, demonstrating how to create beautiful posies from everyday garden flowers.

All proceeds supported the Te Puke community, making it a fantastic opportunity to enjoy breathtaking gardens while giving back.

Tickets were just $45 for all three days and included access to all 17 gardens.

Guests joined us for an unforgettable celebration of Te Puke’s most beautiful gardens!

The 17 Gardens: A Tapestry of Local Horticulture

The Ramble showcased 17 distinct gardens, representing the full spectrum of Te Puke’s diverse horticultural styles, from intimate urban retreats to expansive country estates. The variety delighted visitors, offering inspiration for every kind of gardener.

Here is a look back at the beautiful spaces explored over the weekend:

Our Commitment: Full Coverage by the Trust Collective

Comprehensive documentation was provided by the Vector Group Charitable Trust. A dedicated, collaborative team drawn from our initiatives “Troppo, Te Puke Digital, Kiwifruit Capital, Grow Te Puke, and the Kai Resilience Co-op” was on-site for the entire duration, from Friday morning to Sunday evening. This full-spectrum effort involved capturing the atmosphere, and the breathtaking details of the gardens through extensive photography and high-definition videography.

This project exemplified the power of our combined resources. The professional visual assets gathered ensure that the spirit of the Ramble is preserved. This rich, high-quality archive will be leveraged to support the Te Puke Coast Lions Club’s future fundraising goals and promotional activities, turning a three-day event into an enduring community asset. Our Trust is proud to have played a role in amplifying this wonderful community initiative.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Sponsors

We extended deepest gratitude to the generous SPONSORS for their vital contribution in making that inaugural Ramble a resounding success.

Their support was instrumental in achieving the vision. We encouraged everyone to support the Sponsors in return, as that Ramble was a true testament to Te Puke working together to raise money for a worthwhile local charity.

Honoring Talented Gardeners

Sincere thanks went to the dedicated GARDENERS who had toiled tirelessly, planning and perfecting their beautiful spaces.

Over the three days, guests enjoyed a wide and diverse selection of gardens, each offering a unique aspect of horticultural passion. Whether visitors were novices or seasoned enthusiasts, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy and inspire.