The People Behind The Event
2026 Committee
Photo (left to right) Jenny Saggers, Amanda McRae (Event Manager), Ben McLauchlan, Richard Ellis, Amanda Jones, Sarah Greenslade, Rachel Jackson-Hoare, Jacqueline Harvey (Event Administrator), Kaara Wight, Lucinda Clay, Honour Welbourn.
Absent: Charlotte Dillon.
Garden Marlborough is a celebration of our region, its remarkable gardens and the passionate people who care for them. Each year, generous garden owners open their gates, sharing spaces that have been thoughtfully nurtured over time, and offering inspiration to all who visit.
An event of this scale is only possible thanks to the extraordinary volunteer community behind it. From the organising committee through to those supporting on the ground, this dedicated group gives countless hours throughout the year to plan, coordinate and deliver the festival. Their contribution is woven through every detail; from warmly welcoming visitors at registration to guiding tours, hosting workshops, assisting across the fête site and preparing refreshments along the way.
Their commitment, generosity and energy are at the heart of Garden Marlborough’s success.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our valued sponsors and funding partners, whose support helps bring the festival to life.
Together, this community creates something truly special, a celebration of place, people and a shared love of gardens.
We look forward to welcoming you this November.
A Word From Our Sponsor: Bayleys Marlborough
Garden Marlborough has become one of those weeks that people genuinely look forward to each year and for good reason. It’s as much about the atmosphere that surrounds the event as it is the gardens themselves. The conversations, the creativity, the inspiration and the chance to spend time exploring some amazing spaces and meeting the people behind them.
This year’s programme offers a diverse range of experiences, from internationally renowned speakers and inspiring workshops to exclusive garden visits, celebrating the creativity, innovation and passion that make Garden Marlborough such a special event.
At Bayleys Marlborough, we are proud to return as principal sponsor for a third year and continue supporting an event that reflects so much of what makes this region what it is.
Last year, it was particularly rewarding for Carina and I to see our own garden, Starsky, included on a tour for the first time. Experiencing the event from that perspective gave us an even greater appreciation of the work, care and passion that sits behind every garden and every part of the programme.
There’s a real energy to the week that carries across the gardens, talks and social events. It’s something our Bayleys Marlborough team genuinely enjoys being part of each year, and one we look forward to just as much as everyone attending.
We hope you enjoy every part of the week.
Glenn Dick
Director
Bayleys Marlborough
Garden Marlborough In The Community
Garden Marlborough (2004) Inc.
Garden Marlborough (2004) Inc. is a registered not-for-profit charity dedicated to supporting our local community. Through fundraising and charitable activities, we provide grants and financial assistance to projects that align with our mission: to promote the joys and benefits of gardening while enhancing the Marlborough environment.
Over the years, we have contributed to a wide range of community initiatives, including improvements at Te Whānau Hou Grovetown Lagoon, developments at Selmes Garden Trust, support for the revitalisation of the Waitohi Picton Community Garden, and the creation of edible gardens and shade-tree plantings at local schools. We have also donated outdoor artwork and sculptures to Wairau Hospital and Pollard Park, supported garden development at Hospice Marlborough, and most recently contributed towards the proposed sensory garden project at Alzheimer’s Marlborough.
Each year, Garden Marlborough also supports the next generation of green thinkers through a landscape design or horticultural scholarship. This year, the scholarship has been awarded to Celia Trolove, a dedicated third-year Landscape Architecture student at Lincoln University. Celia was recognised for her strong academic performance, passion for landscape design and commitment to her studies, and we’re delighted to support her future in the industry.
Celia Trolove, 2026 scholarship recipient
