The Heroic Garden Festival gives attendees exclusive access to some of Auckland’s most prestigious and private gardens, all with a point of difference.

Heroic Gardens was started as a fundraising event for the Auckland City Mission’s Herne Bay House, a facility that provided care and respite for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Today, the festival supports Mercy Hospice Auckland in the same spirit with which the event was created.

Originally conceived to showcase gay and lesbian-owned gardens, the festival has grown to include the gardens of many other Hospice supporters as well.

Now in its 21st year, the 2017 festival features 22 diverse urban and country gardens across Auckland, including food producing and designer gardens, and new gardens open to the public for the first time.  Unique to this festival is the opportunity to talk with the garden owners themselves.

This year’s festival opens with a Heroic Garden Party on Friday 17 February at Bev McConnell’s Garden of International Significance, Ayrlies.  Hosted by Lynda Hallinan, with Devonshire teas and gourmet treats, expert talks, a boutique plant market, lawn games, raffles, garden art, pickles and preserves.

There are also two weekend bus tours to sit back, relax and enjoy.  A fabulous country bus tour hosted by Lynda Hallinan, and an urban bus tour hosted by Xanthe White.