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A SEED ONCE SOWN GIVES A LIFETIME’S JOY

Graham Tate’s passion for gardening continues undimmed at Diana Isaac Retirement Village in Christchurch.

Rymanhealthcare.co.nz

It’s a cold winter day and Graham Tate can’t wait for spring when his garden will burst with new life and colour. He’s already sorting through new plants, including daffodils, freesias, pansies, and polyanthus. Graham’s favourite colours are gold and yellow, while Marion, his wife of 63 years, prefers more subdued colours, like blues and mauves.

A summer picture on display in their Ryman home, shows a mixed border with gladioli, Mexican orange blossom, alstroemeria, paeonies, daisies, nemesia, forget-me-nots, nandina, penstemons, and foxgloves.

“I am a sun lover and summer is my favourite season,” says Graham.

The couple have lived at Ryman’s Diana Isaac Retirement Village in Christchurch for eight and a half years. They are full of praise for the freedom they enjoy to pursue their gardening passion, along with a helping hand when they need it.

“Some nine years ago when choosing our three-bedroom townhouse off the plans, we chose a corner section with about 100 square metres of potential garden,” Graham recalls.

“Since then, Ryman’s village gardeners have progressively tolerated our gardening independence. They have graciously let us buy our own plant selection, ensuring we never lack colour around our home. At the same time, gardeners are always willing to help by shifting heavy pots, pruning high branches, and maintaining lawns as a verdant backdrop.

“Our clothes line area has to share space with the propagation

“Our village garden is made up of many hues, no single one being dominant but each contributing to personal satisfaction” - Graham Tate

of countless cuttings and seeds to share with garden admirers. This latterly has added a new dimension to gardening enjoyment. Just as in marriage, successful propagation involves partnership, care, attention, a lot of luck, and a great deal of pleasure. From the comments of residents passing by, our garden gives pleasure to many others in this village community,” says Graham.

Graham’s interest in gardening began at primary school in Auckland during World War 2.

“Our headmaster was a great gardener. We each had a small plot to contribute to the war effort. We planted all sorts of edibles to be eaten at our pleasure.

“My early working career was as a farming cadet. The importance of species, fertiliser, and good cultural practice was drummed into me. A long stint at Lincoln (College, now University) reinforced my understanding of the importance of integrating biology, soil science, and plant science into management to achieve desired results.”

Graham and Marion say they have been fortunate to establish and maintain gardens in the seven New Zealand homes and six overseas locations where they have lived over the past 60 years, including South Korea, Thailand, Bhutan, Zimbabwe, and Fiji.

“Each of these have needed different management and skills but all have given us great pleasure,” says Graham.

One of his favourite quotes sums up his firm belief: You are nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.

“Having been lucky enough to live in many countries with diverse faiths, this saying fits both our approach to gardening and to religion. Our village garden is made up of many hues, no single one being dominant but each contributing to personal satisfaction.”

Another favoured saying is that of famous British garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll: “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.”

HUNUA

en-nz

2021-09-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

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