Welcome to Making Gardens Affordable
I'm Marion, the owner of Making Gardens Affordable. What started as a humble hydrangea stall at the Ohoka Markets two years ago has blossomed into a full-time passion. As demand grew, so did my dedication to offering affordable, quality plants. I believe everyone should have access to beautiful gardens.
As an avid gardener, I've learned that gardening should be enjoyable and flexible—there are no strict rules, just endless opportunities to learn and grow.
I love meeting each of you when you come by to pick up plants. Feel free to bring your family and friends along—our farm animals are always eager to say hello too!
Meet the farm animals
Mojo and Maverick
Naughty naughty goats, so mischievous and always up to no good! If I leave a gate open they are as quick as lightning… eating the plants. These goats are a rare breed. Both their mothers are Sable goats and used for milking. They are delightful characters with great personalities who want attention all day long.
Switzer
Switzer is my gorgeous black nose Valis whether lamb. I named him Switzer as this breed originated from a small village called Valis (vay-lay). They have been around since the 15th Century but only in 1962 they became registered as a sheep breed. There are only 19,000 of them in the world. They are known to be the quietest breed of on the planet with their lovely, docile temperament.
Ben and Syd
Lovely quiet Thorobreds. Syd is 15 years old and I saved him from the meatworks. He has been an amazing horse and had a great career as a show jumper and a hunter. Ben is his nephew who is out and about eventing and show jumping - doing really well, often getting placed.
Peppa Pig and Precious Prince
These little fellas are still growing. They are of the Arapawa breed and it has been suggested that Captain James Cook bought them out in 1773 and put them on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. These boars can grow between 120kg up to 180kg. Arapawa’s are a heritage breed. The mane on their back will stand up if alerted but do not become aggressive. In 2007 NZ Post put a picture of the Arapawa’s on their $1.35 cent stamp in celebration of the Chinese Year of the pig. These two just love belly rubs all day long!
Lilly
Lilly will always be around to greet you. She loves pats, playing ball and always wants attention. Her waistline is expanding at the moment due to eating the pig food when I am not watching… a typical labrador.
Paskall
My beautiful Cornish Rex has just turned 8 years old. He loves to be cuddled and super friendly. He has two full brothers Pickles and Preston.
Chooks
Currently I have 11 brown shavers who are 100% free roaming. They produce beautiful eggs and sometimes I have them for sale at $8 a dozen. Only catch is that you have to go to the chook house and collect them yourself- you won’t get a fresher egg then straight out of the nest.
Ruffie and Romeo
These are my 2 Awassi sheep. They make great pets, with their gentle nature and unique, curly wool. They're not only adorable but also great companions.