Hamilton Gardens – Hamilton, NZ

This is a public park owned by the people of Hamilton and managed by the Hamilton City Council.  It tells the story of gardens through 5 themed garden collections including The Paradise Garden, The Productive Garden, The Fantasy Garden, The Cultivar Garden and The Landscape Garden.  Hamilton Gardens is renowned as one of the 7 Gardens of the world that are a must see.  Of particular interest to us was the Productive Gardens representing different forms of productive gardening.  These plants not only provide us with food but also raw materials for clothing, shelter, medicine and many other needs.  This Garden included the Te Parapara – traditional Marori horticulture; The Kitchen Garden – displaying a range of European vegetables and fruits;  The Herb Garden – plants for culinary, cosmetic, perfume and medical purposes and finally the Sustainable Backyard – a small enclosed garden demonstrating principles of sustainable food production on a backyard scale. http://www.hamiltongardens.co.nz/