Grab some friends, jump in the car and go picnic in some of the most picturesque gardens from Katikati to Te Puke, next month.

The Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival returns from November 15-18, offering 70 beautiful gardens and the work of more than 50 artists for the public to enjoy.

Festival director Marc Anderson says there is something for everyone, with a range of themes including expansive country, formal, traditional, and modern as well as gardens with the “boy’s toys factor”.

“Around 20 per cent of the gardens are new to the festival, some are returning after a hiatus and have come back with new and exciting ideas; and, of course, we are proud to welcome back some old favourites that are forever developing and have been a part of the festival since the early days.”

Plus there will be plenty more landscape gardens and artists’ work at the festival’s new hub ‘Bloom in the Bay’ at the Historic Village in Tauranga each day of the festival from 9am-9.30pm.

Tauranga’s Historic Village green will be transformed, and concept gardens situated around the village – created as part of the festival – will also remain afterwards.

Here, live performances, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, exhibitions, workshops, art and sculpture and an area dedicated to keeping children entertained, will be on offer at ‘Bloom in the Bay’.

“Anyone can come and soak up the creative atmosphere, and the hub will be a place where everyone – including families with young children – can enjoy great entertainment, displays, tasty food and beverages,” says Marc.

He says all festival gardeners are wonderful hosts “and throughout the trail they’ll be in their gardens meeting our festival visitors and sharing their wonderful stories”.

A number of gardeners also encourage people to bring a picnic and enjoy their garden, while others will have pop up cafes open. “Plus, our wonderful artists will be exhibiting and selling their artwork in gardens along the trail.”

To pre-book the shuttle bus from the Bloom in the Bay Festival Hub every morning at 9.30am, see:  gardenandartfestival.co.nz

Festival tickets are on sale at Palmers Bethlehem, Décor Garden World, Baycourt, MacandMor Artspace, Pacifica Home and Garden Centre, Art Junction Katikati and Te Puke Florist, at: gardenandartfestival.co.nz Or: ticketek.co.nz