OMAIO is a Maori name meaning "place of peace, quiet and tranquility". Omaio is a coastal property of 18 acres on the Takatu Peninsula. The islands Kawau, Goat, Rabbit and the Bee Hive in Kawau Bay, are all viewed from the log cabin. The cabin sits in a native New Zealand bush setting, with the largest of the feature trees being an 800 year old Puriri. While the garden is predominantly native, there is a fusion of other carefully selected plants which suit the setting. The raised vegetable garden and small orchard is situated in a sheltered bush clearing and shaped like a koru (coiled fern frond). The path from this area, lined with arthropodium and hostas, leads through bush and a stand of Kauri to a viewing deck on the water's edge. The holiday cabin was built in 1981 and development of the garden commenced in July 2006 when the owner moved to settle permanently. Liz Morrow is the Executive Officer of the New Zealand Gardens Trust. |