Artist Paints a Protest - Unitary Plan Devastating Land and Auckland Gardens North Auckland artist and gardener Mark Wooller is making his thoughts known profoundly in his exhibition of paintings entitled “Big Garden”.

Wooller states “The once traditional quarter acre Auckland section is now almost a distant memory. In my new series of work I have expanded the lush gardens to cover the whole section – totally surrounding or “safeguarding” the houses. My response to council proposals could be seen as sentimental or an overreaction to current events, but the reality is the new intensification policies are already generating a growth in property prices, while Auckland gardens are shrinking or disappearing.

Traditional gardens, fast becoming obsolete, are shown in abundance in this new exhibition with profusions of snapdragons,hollyhocks, snowdrops, lavender and roses.

It is almost ironic to consider many traditional gardens in NZ, even the western world are really only 150 to 200 years young. Exotic flowers and plants came to NZ in only the 19th century,while cultivated roses and hydrangeas for example, were only introduced into England in the 18th century.

Wooller states...”It is sad to see much of the fertile soils of Auckland being developed and paved over. In many cases native trees and plants have been taken as well”.Auckland’s climate lends itself to being a wonderful “Garden City”. Unfortunately the current demographics and future development prospects do not bode well for Auckland’s residential gardens.

Wooller, who also tends a large home garden,has fused his passion for both gardening and art with an arresting and thought provoking exhibition of paintings in“Big Garden”.

All Enquiries to Warwick Henderson 027-2956513 email - warwick@warwickhenderson.co.nz

The Exhibition opens with a Preview on Tuesday 1st September and is on view until the 19th September.