East Auckland locals know Bev McConnell as the visionary owner, with her late husband Malcolm, of the iconic Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands in Whitford for the last 60 years. At more than 90 years old, her love of the garden is just as strong.
How did Ayrlies come into being?
Sixty years ago when we came here it was an active dairy farm with 150 milking cows and at that stage that was all that was between us and the road. I was allowed to create a garden on three acres. It wasn’t well received by the farming community because I was taking valuable farming land away from grazing cows. It was 1964 and this was considered mad. The garden grew from initially three acres to 10 in the first decade. My husband had a construction company, McConnell Dowell, which kept him very busy. Malcolm was a great provider and was prepared to support me in the creation of a garden.
How has Ayrlies evolved over the years and how have those changes benefitted the property and its gardens?
The year 1974 was momentous for the garden with the arrival of Oliver Briers from England. He was our head gardener and a meticulous craftsman. Oliver saw to the construction of many of the hard structural elements like the walks, stonework, waterfalls, cascades, rapids, bridges, Summer House, and the Gallery. He built the wonderful chorus of railway sleeper steps going up to the temple house. Another big milestone was the introduction of water into the garden in 1977. The construction of the 40-acre wetlands and lake on land that was once a salt marsh in 2000 is planted predominantly with native trees and grasses. It’s become a refuge for abundant birdlife adjacent to the coastal conservation area.
What have been some of the highlights of creating Ayrlies?
To create a large country garden and wetlands available year-round for visitors to enjoy underpinned by the ability to maintain and protect this green space – the garden and the wetlands – from creeping urban sprawl. We had a long-term vision and became part of something on the international stage. Among the great garden personalities who have been welcomed at Ayrlies are Beth Chatto, Christopher Lloyd, Fergus Garrett, Dan Hinkley, Thomas Waltz, and of course, Monty Don. We welcome about 3000 visitors a year including many international visitors and the plant fair which attracts about 1000 people over two days. Also, the consistent knowledgeable support of our very own New Zealand horticulturalists Jack Hobbs and Carolyn Ferraby remain a highlight.
What do you enjoy the most about living at Ayrlies?
The garden, as it’s my home! I love it and there’s plenty of things to do and plenty of ideas. Just being here with lots of family about.
Why is it important for you to have public events at Ayrlies?
We’ve hosted many charity events including by Opera New Zealand and Auckland Philharmonia and schools have staged musical days here with their bands and orchestras. The Trinity Garden Festival was a major fundraising event for several years. Now we host the annual Ayrlies Plant Fair, with a visitor entry fee that helps support funding a substantial renovation project in the garden or wetlands. So much of this work is supported by Jack Hobbs, who’s been the managing curator at Auckland Botanic Gardens for more than 20 years. He’s been a marvellous support.
How much work does it take to maintain Ayrlies and how many people are involved in that effort?
It’s a huge garden and it takes a huge amount of energy, people and funding to maintain the standard of the garden and wetlands. We have a passionate, dedicated team of four in the garden lead by highly knowledgeable and capable Ben Conway. A trained arborist, he’s got a terrific eye. He’s responsible over the last 15 years for leading a determined focus on increasing biodiversity through ecologically sustainable, organic practices supported by team members Abbie Taylor, Kimberley Strempel and Alex Rice. Luana MacDonald co-ordinates the household, garden visitors and groups, and David Johnstone manages the wetlands, lake and farmland. The McConnell family’s unwavering support and belief in the living artwork that is Ayrlies is fundamental. One family member (Jacqueline’s) keen involvement is vital to work with the team, plan projects, to consistently review and evaluate the integrity and artistry of Ayrlies.
Do you have a favourite part of the garden?
I don’t have any favourite places, nor children! It’s all special and my family is too.
