Jane Mahoney has always adored peeking over the garden fence. The keen J gardener spent much of her childhood exploring the outdoors and learning about gardening at the 19th-century cottage in Brookside, Canterbury that her parents bought in 1974. She has many fond memories of exploring her family garden - and the neighbours' patch too - with excitement and wonder.
"Like a lot of people, I can trace my love of gardens to being in them as a child - almost everyone has childhood memories that are somehow connected to gardens," says Jane, 59, a former communications specialist and founder of garden share project Secret Gardens. Jane and her daughter Sophie Bannan, 34, have co-written a book about some of New Zealand's most fascinating gardens.
"As a child, I loved exploring and I can remember the smells of the plants, the atmosphere of them. At The Millhouse, the 1870s garden at my parents' place, I'd dream about what plants would have grown there back in the 19th century. I loved just letting my imagination run riot. Growing up with a garden had a really lasting impression on me."
Secret Gardens of Aotearoa features a collection of gorgeous home gardens from around New Zealand, each curated by passionate gardeners who have opened their outdoor spaces for others to admire and learn from.
"I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as Mum about horticulture, but I can remember her telling me stories about being in my grandparents' garden when she was a child, and I can remember playing there when I was younger myself," says Sophie, who is mum to fouryear-old Harriet.
This story is from the November 13, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 13, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy