Willow Springs Garden, nestled within seven lush acres in Christchurch, embodies resilience, beauty, and natural heritage. Born from the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, this garden has become a sanctuary for treasured plants rescued from the devastated 'red zones' of Christchurch and Kaiapoi. Over an 18-month period, mature rhododendrons, magnolias, maples, and other cherished specimens—some nearing 80 years old—were painstakingly relocated here, now thriving as symbols of hope and renewal.

This urban nature retreat is a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife alike, humming with life, and shaped through careful design, predator control, and the gentle rhythm of nature Native plantings around the pond draw in an array of visitors: tūī flit among kōwhai blossoms, their song bright and playful, while kererū settle heavily into the treetops, lending a sense of calm authority. The butterfly house provides a safe haven from wasps and other predators, and allowing Monarchs to mature and complete natures cycle as they drift between clusters of wildflowers, their delicate wings brushing against the warm air. Bees work steadily among the blooms, ensuring the garden remains vibrant and well-pollinated. Their constant activity brings a subtle energy, balancing the stillness of the fishpond of the slow with the contemplative movement of the birds. Thoughtful predator control helps safeguard this haven, allowing native wildlife to thrive despite its suburban setting. Traps are discreetly positioned and regularly maintained, protecting vulnerable species from stoats, rats, and possums without disturbing the natural beauty of the landscape. The result is a flourishing sanctuary—a pocket of biodiversity where urban life meets the natural world in harmony. Here, water, wildlife, and quiet human presence coexist, creating a peaceful retreat that restores, inspires, and sustains all who visit.

Nestled within a unique landscape, this enchanting garden is beautifully divided between a serene hillside and a lush, flat expanse, each offering its own distinct charm. The hillside garden winds gently upwards, showcasing over 150 vibrant Rhododendrons that burst into colour through the seasons. Their blooms form a breathtaking backdrop alongside native ferns and mature trees, creating a peaceful retreat for native birds, including the melodic tūī, which flit through the branches adding life and song to the air.

Descending from the hillside, the garden opens out into a tranquil flat area, designed in the relaxed, romantic style of an English cottage garden. Here, winding paths lead through a generous collection of cottage-style plants — foxgloves, delphiniums, hollyhocks, and roses mingle in a profusion of colour and scent. Carefully arranged perennial borders create a timeless feel, with flowers tumbling over pathways and framing quiet nooks perfect for reflection.

At the heart of the flat garden lie several serene fishponds, home to water lilies, reeds, and a variety of ornamental fish. The ponds reflect the sky and surrounding plantings, adding a sense of calm and movement. Nearby seating areas invite visitors to sit and enjoy the harmonious sounds of water and birdsong, completing this sensory-rich experience.

This garden offers a perfect balance between structured beauty and natural abundance — a haven for gardeners, bird lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration from nature’s palette.

Nestled just outside Oxford near the foothills of the Southern Alps, Oasis Cottage is a charming cottage steeped in history dating back to 1898. This historical charm is further enhanced by its five-acre country garden, which beautifully combines formal elegance with natural charm.

Whakapuni Station is a working sheep and beef farm in the South Wairarapa, just a 20 minute drive from Martinborough. The property was purchased by Andy and Bridget Mathewson in 2008 and has taken on quite the transformation since. The homestead was built in 1931 so the garden is a mix of old and new which adds to the interest and surprise around each corner.