This lovely fountain garden is within the Oamaru Public Gardens. It’s not particularly secret, just a little bit tucked away and I nearly missed it. Oamaru, East Otago, New Zealand. Photos taken by Liz, Thursday 05 Sept 2019.
I took this photo after descending a series of stone steps.
My first view of the secret garden…
Fountain and colourful polyanthus.
Stone bridge over the stream.
Carex secta is a sedge endemic to New Zealand, commonly seen in moist or swampy places. Unusual to see it used as a feature plant but these two behind the stone seat are really striking. Sit here if you dare!
On the opposite side is a moon gate.
Moon gate and rhododendron
Looking through the moon gate I found hellebores in flower.
Text and photos by Liz; Exploring Colour (2019)
Exploring Colour 
That’s a beautifully designed spot, Liz, and so inviting with the stone bench!
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It seemed a perfect moment when I stepped down into this lovely garden!
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Nice to have it to yourself, at least for that moment!
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In the early evening there weren’t many people around. We had a wonderful time strolling the gardens!
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What a wonderful place! I love it.
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Great to hear you love it Candice.. it’s special!
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Wow, there is a lot of fine work represented in that garden. All the nice stone and, of course, the flowers. You are lucky to have such a spot near at hand.
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Oamaru is such a lovely town we’d have liked to live there. It’s about a three-and-half hour drive for us – within reach but a treat – we usually stay overnight to give Nigel time for business-related things and also allows us free time to explore the town.
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Fairytale indeed, so unexpected, it’s very Hobbiton, especially with the round wall opening. What a gem of a find
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This fairytale garden is in its own little world and I felt very peaceful there. The moon gate and the stone bridge imparted a special feeling like being on an enchanted island!
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It looks like in a fairytale!! Beautiful, Liz!
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That’s a good description Simone! Thank you.
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What a lovely place, Liz! My favorite kind of garden!
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It is lovely Sue, a little paradise nestled within the larger space of Oamaru’s public gardens.
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Such a pretty garden! Feels a bit odd to see it when we’re about to go into autumn soon, hehe! (But I will enjoy seeing your summer when we’re in the depths of winter here. 🙂 )
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We seem to be diving into spring a little earlier than autumn’s appearance for you. I guess buds break faster compared to the gradual shift in autumn foliage.
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I don’t want autumn to appear to quickly – I’m always trying to hang on to the summer!
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Completely understand that. I hope you have a long drawn out beautiful autumn that goes on for ages!
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Most definitely magical! I feel so peaceful imagining myself sitting on that bench, walking through the moon gate. Pure delight! Thank you for the morning breath.
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You’re very welcome! The moon gate is lovely to walk through 🙂
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Magical..!✨🍀✨
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The garden did have a magical quality to it 🙂
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🔆💚🍀🌳🍀💚🔆
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Beautiful
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Thank you. This little garden has a lot going for it!
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So beautiful!
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Yes.. I enjoyed seeing it very much!
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