Gardens

Since taking over the derelict Castle in 1967 Margaret Barker has taken great delight in not only restoring the Castle but also its magnificent grounds.

Today the grounds are classified as a Garden Of International Significance and Margaret herself is often to be seen in the grounds, not only overseeing the gardeners employed by the Castle, but also, rolling her sleeves up and getting herself dirty in the garden.

A speaker of note when it comes to gardens Margaret is regularly called upon to deliver her knowledge to audiences both locally and internationally.

Having taken her inspiration from Larnach's gift of a Wishing Well to his daughter Alice, following the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland" in 1865,  Margaret has drawn from this and themed the garden accordingly, with several key characters from the story to be found throughout.

In summer time the garden abounds with the now rare Bumble Bee and the flora is both varied and plentiful.

Original plantings meld with new to form both an optical and olfactory sensory experience - one not to be missed.

Want to experience the Larnach Castle Gardens? Then Contact Otago Cycle Hire and quote "The Castle Cruiser".