Manawatu gardens - Manawatu-Wanganui

Manawatu is a region of gardeners and there are many botanical masterpieces open to view throughout the year.At Cross Hills Gardens in Kimbolton, you can walk around a park-like landscape that includes one of the world's finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas - there are over 2,000 varieties on display. Many other rare trees, shrubs and perennials have been planted to ensure there's something to see in every season.The Fragrant Garden in Feilding is a commercial production nursery specialising in herbs and lavender. Visitors are welcome to visit the display gardens and inhale to their heart's content. A garden on a grand scale can be found in the city of Palmerston North. The Victoria Esplanade Gardens were opened to mark Queen Victoria's 60th Jubilee. Features include a large duck pond, a cherry drive and an avenue of phoenix palms. The rose garden has over 5,500 varieties and incorporates the International Rose Trial Grounds. There are walkways and a miniature railway through native bush.