The one sure thing I have learned in my gardening adventure is that my most valuable sources of information and inspiration have been found in other people’s gardens. I’ve keenly investigated planted spaces belonging to both my family and friends as well as those created by deeply invested gardeners who open their spaces to the public. Within this latter group are gardeners that have decided to undertake the challenges involved in assessment to be a rated member of the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

The NZGT was created in 2004 under the umbrella of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.
Its aim is to promote a wide-ranging collection of noteworthy gardens and plant collections to the public and through its rigorous assessment and standards, ensure a high-quality experience.
Their expansive website lists 112 gardens throughout New Zealand, a brilliant resource for gardening tourists to explore exemplary planting of all different scopes amid the varying environments of this country.

Touring the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with the NZGT conference attendees.

Through entry to garden festivals, I had been exposed to a handful of these gardens in the South Island, and was intrigued to learn more. In 2021 I joined the New Zealand Gardens Trust annual conference under their “Friends” membership category and immersed myself in three full days of activities surrounded by expert gardeners, botanists and horticulturalists. We explored a selection of significant gardens in Canterbury, had a full guided tour behind the scenes at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and absorbed valuable information from a broad variety of expert presenters ranging from design, the missions of public gardens to the use of glyphosates before and gathering together for dinner.

Each day in discussion (and while eavesdropping on the bus), I was struck by not only the breadth of knowledge of those I was travelling with but the passion for plants, design and curation that bubbled between them. I realised that I wasn’t just surrounded by fellow gardeners, but a sub-tribe of ultimate garden geeks who poured their life into learning and reaching the full potential of their gardening exploration.
Teams of horticulturalists from regional botanic gardens and arboretums mingled with landscape designers and garden owners. Their comradery was truly infectious and, as a new gardener, I felt undoubtedly inspired by their achievements and efforts to make me feel welcome. And this was without even visiting their gardens yet!

Cassa Rossa in West Melton is a 5 star NZGT garden.

The chairperson of the New Zealand Gardens Trust is Marlborough-based, Wendy Palmer. A highly creative gardener herself, she and her garden designing sibling Ross Palmer have made a fantastical sprawling landscape called Welton House, just outside of Blenheim. Speaking from experience, it truly is an environment to capture the imagination with a myriad of planting ranging from seasonally responsive perennials and Dr. Seuss-like topiary. There is so much to be inspired by particularly in the use of New Zealand natives and blood-pumping colour curation.

Welton House and the extraordinary Dr Seuss like topiary.

“I joined the NZGT as a garden owner in 2016. I had become aware of the Trust having visited some amazing gardens that were members” shared Palmer. “My first port of call was the Trust website where I realised, I could easily access the details of top gardens in Aotearoa New Zealand that were open to visitors. It was as if I had discovered a treasure trove. Now, wherever I travel in this country I have all the details to indulge my garden obsession. No good holiday is ever complete without a good dose of garden visiting in my eyes.“

While the prospect of having your garden judged isn’t for everyone, the NZGT members thrive on the challenge presented. Not unlike most gardeners, their love for their space and the creativity it allows them forms a huge part of their life. The NZGT members have sought to level up their investment in their garden to open their doors wider to the prospects of domestic and international garden tourism.

As Wendy can attribute herself, it is easy to become very absorbed in your own gardening bubble and fail to see your own wood for your trees. “The assessment process gives me an outside perspective. It helps me to objectively evaluate my garden. As with most arts, gardeners are constantly trying to improve; to create the impossible – perfection. We are in constant competition with ourselves.”

And as I experienced during my attendance at the conference, aside from the intensive garden talk, I found this organisation to be about people. Those involved established great bonds over their shared passion and around the experience they can offer visitors.
As Palmer underlines, the satisfaction and connection found is the pinnacle of her gardening business.

“I am a people person and have always enjoyed entertaining, particularly in my garden. My visitors are, without exception, an interesting group. I have had great fun with the thousands that I have had the privilege of walking with and chatting to over the years. The thing I value the most is how much I have learnt from them. They have given me phenomenal and diverse information. My garden is now full of hints and tips from a myriad of garden visitors. I am grateful for that part of my Trust journey.”

S swathe of *Phlomis italica* at Welton House

This is an expanded version of the article featured in my Stuff ‘Homed’ gardening column for beginners , The Press, Dominion Post and other regional papers on September 15th 2022
All words and images are my own, unless otherwise credited.

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