Every spring Eden Garden is the place to be to admire colourful flower beds and to welcome the new spring season. People from all over the Auckland region come to enjoy the beautiful gardens and explore the quarry just 10 minutes from the CBD, in the heart of Epsom.

During the Tulip Extravaganza you will experience the dazzling display – the largest in Auckland with over 8,000 bulbs. Infact, this year the public display may be one of the largest in the world, as due to Covid-19 all tulip events were cancelled in Holland, including at the world famous Keukenhof. It was a tricky start to the planting of the bulbs in Eden Garden too. Covid-19 scuppered many international deliveries, including the bulbs which are so time dependent to get in the ground in tip-top condition. This has meant there are fewer bulbs this year – in past years there has been 18,000 bulbs, but this year there will be 8,000. “Don’t worry though” says lead gardener Nikita Engels “we have plenty potted up for sale – the tulips sell so quickly. This year we have some wonderfully scented hyacinths too and some swan plants, which the kids love.”

Eden Garden is magnificent in early spring, showing off an array of colour as magnolias and camellias put in an intoxicating display. “Everyone loves our Felix magnolia” says General Manager Samantha Knights “it is simply stunning with such large deep pink heads which are gorgeous against a blue spring sky”. There are many pathways to explore at the Garden - it is hard to believe this is just a 5.5acre plot. The quarry was developed in the 1960s by a local horticulturalist, Jack Clarke, and a team of very enthusiastic volunteers. “Volunteers are still our backbone” says Samantha “As a not for profit charity we simply could not operate without them – whether they are out in the garden pruning and racking, helping out at reception or bringing business experience to sit on the committee – in fact, anyone reading this article who would like to be involved is encouraged to come and see us”

The volunteers will be helping to run the Tulip Extravaganza – there will be live musical entertainment, kids nature trails and plenty of beautiful phot opportunities. The café within the garden will be open from 9am serving an array of teas, coffees, cakes and slices and light lunches.

This year, the Tulip Extravaganza runs from Saturday 29th August every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through to Sunday 13th September. Doors open at 9am and close at 3.30pm. Adult entrance is $12, NZ Seniors and Students are $8 and children under 12 are free.

It’s a great way welcoming spring in your life.