Take a look around this well known Canterbury garden

David Ford under a wisteria arch in his Tinwald garden.
David Ford under a wisteria arch in his Tinwald garden.
David Ford is inviting the community to take a walk around his impressive Tinwald garden and any donations will be passed to the Mid Canterbury Cancer Society.

The 87-year-old lovingly tends his garden, which is named Jeanette's Memorial Garden after his late wife, who died three years ago.

Beautiful peonies are prominent in the wrap-around garden and come in a variety of vibrant colours.

There are also azaleas, camellias, three roses and rhododendrons.

The garden includes a puya, blue poppies, yellow and pink magnolias, a wisteria arch and many other shrubs and small trees.

The lawns are cut regularly by Mr Ford's neighbour, but he weeds, waters and trims the sizeable plot himself.

"When my wife was around, gardening was always a joint effort. We both did whatever needed doing, but I was always the one for the lawns.''

Mr Ford said the couple had moved to Ashburton from Southbridge 10 years ago because the town "had all the services and was a good place to retire to''.

They had downsized from a big house and one acre garden and over time had transformed their Tinwald garden into "just the way they liked it''.

"We brought lots of cuttings and plants with us and bedded them in here.

"While I really enjoy the tree peonies, Jeanette was always a fan of alpines and all flowers really.''

Mr Ford said the absolute best time for colour in the garden had just passed, but there was still plenty to see and enjoy in his garden.

The tidy plot also includes vege growing areas, a greenhouse, potting and work sheds and a compost area.

Some of Mr Ford's friends and acquaintances have been through the garden already this season and a garden group from South Canterbury is expected soon.

There is a guest book, secure donation box and a garden photo album for visitors.

The public is welcome to knock on Mr Ford's door at 8 Rowan Place over the coming weeks and, if he is home, he will direct them around the memorial garden that he is rightly proud of.