The Botanical Tour
Enjoy a full day exploring a diverse collection of Marlborough gardens, each offering its own unique character and setting. This year’s tour features the Garden Marlborough debut of Pukatea, a striking coastal native oasis at Rarangi, while the much-admired garden of Sally and Tim Wadworth returns to the programme. From the romantic, hydrangea-filled charm of Hortensia House to expansive vineyard gardens and evolving landscapes, this tour showcases creativity, scale and sense of place.
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all included, making for a relaxed and memorable garden experience.
Thursday 5 November
9.00am - 4.30pm
$200
Friday 6 November
9.00am - 4.30pm
$200
Saturday 7 November
9.00am - 4.30pm
$200
+3% booking fee
Pukatea Garden
Sharon Flavell and Willie Crosse
From a windswept sandy paddock, this once-barren acre has been transformed into a lush native oasis alive with tropical form and colour. Native plantings blend into the surrounding reserve, while a cultivated lawn contrasts the rugged coastal setting. At its centre, a cascading water feature introduces movement and sound, transforming the once windswept coastal landscape into a calm and thriving oasis.
The garden of
Sally and Tim Wadworth
Returning to Garden Marlborough, this 60-acre property was purchased in 2000, with much of the structural native planting established before the house was built, creating a strong framework for the landscape. The house captures sun and magnificent views, while newer plantings, including those on a challenging clay bank, showcase careful planning and persistence.
Dukeland
Deirdre and Luke van Velthooven
Purchased in 2003, this property was full of thriving weeds but retained beautiful old trees and a wide terrace overlooking a stunning mountain vista. The expansive garden that followed celebrates the dramatic views while complementing the owners’ home and vineyard.
Hortensia House
Huguette Michel-Fleurie
Huguette did not intend to create a particular style; instead, her romantic garden evolved over time into an inspired cottage garden filled with hydrangeas – ‘hortensia’ in French. Colour-coordinated flowers complement the house’s Victorian style, while Spring Creek, flowing through the garden, is crossed by a bridge inspired by Claude Monet’s Giverny.
Westgrove
Pat Jones
Created from bare farmland, Westgrove has evolved into a beautifully established garden renowned for its timeless elegance. The striking entrance is framed by sweeping lawns, a picturesque pond and graceful specimen trees, leading to refined garden spaces featuring sculptural cloud pruning and elegant formal design.
