Déjà vu all over again

In March 2020 we started the Garden Artisan South Island tour. 2 weeks in, and no further than Motueka, COVID had well and truly arrived and we were heading for lockdown. We managed to scuttle home on the penultimate ferry across the strait.  Driving home was  like featuring in your very own zombie apocalypse movie with no one else on the roads. Not the most auspicious end to our trip.

So here we are again, taking another crack at seeing what the South Island delivers in the way of garden inspiration and garden art.

We toured the South Island about 10 years ago for 6 weeks by car with Miniature Schnauzer Mark 1. That time we struck some of the worst storms in years, earthquakes and all manner of natural disasters. Derek’s sister, Jeannette  from Invercargill, threatened to ban us from ever stepping foot on the Mainland again such were these occurrences timed with our arrival. We did however have a great time, inspired by much of what we saw. We have high hopes of what we will find this time around and look forward to sharing it.

This trip, first stop Wellington, to catch up with son Jules before we catch the Picton ferry and then on to Blenheim to stay with Kate and Bill on their beautiful vineyard, Winterhawk, at the foot of the Dry Hills in Blenheim.

Last year, before COVID called, we pretended to be WWOOFers and assisted with the removal of the nets from the vines at Winterhawk. This year sadly has not been kind to Kate’s grapes and the frost has put paid to most of the crop. No WWOOFers required.  Oh well, we might just have to go for lunch at a vineyard instead. It’s a tough life.

Lily, miniature schnauzer mark 2, is now four years old. She is not so keen on the driving part of our trips. Strapped into the back seat in a harness, her ears in a position that we refer to as “the flying nun”, she endures the rocking, rolling and strange noises in the back of the bus. Lily enjoys the destination more than the road trip.  She enjoys the camping, meeting new friends, walking new tracks and smelling new smells.  Every day is a great day when you are a dog. We could learn much from them.

Derek and I are feeling blessed to be living in this part of the world. So lucky to continue with the freedom to travel in our beautiful country. We will keep you updated on what we find as we go.

#Gardenart #SouthIsland #roadtrip #NewZealand