Experience the wow factor of New Zealand naturalism with gardener Jill Simpson.

This increasingly popular approach to gardening is brought to life by Jill and her husband Richard, using examples from their own magnificent 25-year-old garden at Fishermans Bay near Akaroa.

Hear how Jill has combined the structure and texture of native plants with a diverse array of non-natives to create a truly New Zealand ambience. Winding paths and a varied landscape have inspired a garden with many parts, including a perennial garden, fern garden, a shaded stream-side valley and exposed rock garden. The garden is set on a coastal farm with a backdrop of green hills dropping to the sea, mature trees and 100 hectares of regenerating bush. 

The talk will cover the definition of naturalistic gardening, its relevance and appeal. It will show how choosing plants for ecological value as well as beauty can be a winning combination.

Jill grew up in a large historic garden before studying art history and practising as a landscape designer. 

If you’re in search of winning plant and colour combinations, wanting to build texture in a space, or create effortless looking informal beauty while bringing in borrowed natural landscapes, this talk is for you.