Discover & Learn
naton
To begin, could you tell us a little about yourself — where you’re based, who you share life with, and what first drew you into the world of gardens?
I’m based in Havelock North (Hawke’s Bay) with my husband Tristan and our three young children (ages 9, 7 and 4). I’ve always been surrounded by gardens. I come from a line of gardeners, and grew up with my mum and nana always just a phone call away for garden and plant advice. My family’s gardens (some on farms, some in town) were very different in style, but were all places of beauty, care and lots of activity. I think much of my love for gardens seeped in by osmosis way back then.
Barewood is a garden many people feel a strong connection to. What first drew you to it, and what made you feel it was the right next chapter for you?
Well I think we can all agree that Barewood is just pure magic! Imbued with love and passion that you can feel from the moment you walk through the gate. We took a leap of faith, knowing from previous experience that taking on an older house and a large garden would require a different level of input, but the impending workload never intimidated us. In all honesty, we didn't know about Barewood until we saw it come to the market and I believe that probably helped not muddy or intimidate our instincts. We viewed it in the middle of winter and immediately felt drawn to it. Fires crackling in the homestead and the bare bones of the garden allowing us to imagine all the possibilities it held. The home and garden that Carol and Joe created here is a true extension of themselves as people. Warm, characterful, positive and safe. Barewood presents a perfect platform to allow our interests and strengths to weave together, whilst building a meaningful life together
One of the greatest joys of having a garden is being able to pick flowers and foliage, create arrangements, and bring a little of the garden’s beauty indoors. Yet, because my garden is often open to the public, I’ve always been a little reluctant to cut flowers from the borders and displays. I love sharing the garden at its best, and didn’t want to spoil it for visitors.
There is something irresistibly evocative about a stumpery. Part sculpture garden, part forest floor in mid-revelation, these arrangements of upturned roots and weather-worn trunks speak of age, decay, and renewal all at once. Long favoured by Victorian gardeners seeking drama and naturalism, stumperies are quietly re-emerging in contemporary gardens—yet with a distinctly thoughtful, garden-led intent.