Garden art and greenery drew the crowds at the first Athenree and Waihi Beach Garden Club backyard ramble.

Nine properties were showcased in the club’s garden ramble, including seven backyard gardens and two front gardens.

Marjorie Howarth was one of the garden enthusiasts who opened her Bowentown garden to the public on the weekend of March 8. She uses garden art intertwined with plant life to beautify outdoor spaces, each with its own theme.

One of her memory gardens is the red-themed “green man” area for her father, who was in the Grenadier Guards at Buckingham Palace. She also has a memory garden for her mother featuring her favourite pink flowers. Other themes are Beatrix Potter, fairies, hedgehogs, Chinese miniature gardens, a water setting and more.

Howarth moved to Bowentown nine years ago, and she wanted to create special outdoor areas for her four granddaughters.

The garden ramble is a change for Athenree and Waihi Beach Garden Club, which has been going since 1999.

The club wanted to showcase what can be done at the beach, and the ramble would become a regular event on the calendar, President Mary Graham said.

Marjorie’s creative gardens are inspired by her grandchildren.

Being by the beach means they have different soil, she said, and some people were unsure what to grow, so club members can learn tips, tricks and ideas from others.

“It’s the sort of soil that needs a lot of nourishing. It’s also windy at the beach, which makes gardening unique here.”

Athenree and Waihi Beach Garden Club has 46 members. They have quest speakers and meet every first Thursday of the month at various locations. Phone Mary on 021 309 236 for more information.