Two years young but in garden years already a precocious beauty. Red Sheds was imagined, designed and continues to be created with simplicity in mind. Where a thorough understanding of structure replaces high maintenance. Every space must earn its keep, always in proportion and with attention to scale.

Opened in December 2001, the garden was established to preserve and honour the collection of old roses gathered over a lifetime by the celebrated rosarian Trevor Griffiths.

One of the oldest Botanic Gardens, Timaru will surprise you with the depth and excellence of its collections as diverse as Australian plants, conifers and rose species. A border containing the native plants of the Canterbury region is of special note. Endangered plants from around the world can be seen in part of the conservatory complex. A fern house is adjacent.

Nestled in the peaceful suburb of Flat Bush, Auckland, the garden at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple of New Zealand offers a tranquil sanctuary where nature and spirituality meet. Designed in the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism, the garden features manicured hedges, symbolic sculptures, and stone-paved paths that invite mindful walking and quiet reflection.

The Ashburton Domain and Gardens is located at 337 West Street (State Highway 1), to the north and west of the Ashburton CBD. The Domain is considered the most regionally significant reserve within the Ashburton District. Many consider it as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the Ashburton District. Ashburton Hospital borders the park to the west. The Domain has a Reserve Category of Public Garden Sport and Recreation. It’s total size is 37.6147 ha in area. The Domain provides public open space with sport and recreation facilities, situated in beautiful gardens of botanical significance lined by mature trees.

Tucked behind a 1964 Modernist courtyard house in Lyall Bay, The Haven is a richly layered retreat designed for colour, texture and year-round interest. The house, recognised for its architectural heritage, provides a strong design framework: courtyards and pergolas create sheltered outdoor rooms that connect seamlessly to the architecture.

The garden is best experienced as a sequence of spaces. Visitors enter through the modernist courtyard, paved with patterned tiles and dotted with succulents, pelagoniums, and a reflective pond. From here, a path leads to the Blue Pergola Garden — a long, narrow sanctuary where climbers, roses and passionfruit weave through a rhythm of painted pergolas.

At its heart, a bubbling urn and clusters of salvias create vibrant focal points, with seating placed for quiet contemplation.

Set within the rolling landscape of Mangaroa Farm in Upper Hutt, Wellington. Woodcote is being cultivated as a vibrant, biodiverse sanctuary for the community—a place where people of all ages can connect with nature, learn from the land, and enjoy peaceful moments together. Originally structured around formal hedges, roses, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas, the garden is now evolving to include a rich tapestry of native plants and edible species, blending ornamental beauty with ecological purpose. Large conifers and deciduous trees provide shelter and seasonal colour, framing expansive lawns that invite play, picnics, and quiet reflection.

Enter by a long driveway of elm trees on one side, and on the other oak trees.

There are historic trees, some of which would have been planted in the 1800s: Scarlet oak, English oaks, Linden tree, Parrotia persica, and a magnificent Melia, also a row of long established Plane trees lead to the truffiere. There are lovely autumn colours, especially on the large front lawn. This front lawn has a spectacular view to the north. There is also room for croquet, tennis, badminton on other large lawns surrounding the homestead.

From the elegant Feldwick Gates entrance off Gala Street, an avenue of English beech leads into the heart of this extensive park - all the major features can be explored from this impressive walkway.

Located right in the centre of town, Gore Public Gardens host the annual Rhododendron Festival in October that attracts many visitors to enjoy the spring colour and visit the aviary, another feature of the Gardens. The original plantings have been complemented with more exotic trees, shrubs and rare conifers. Tree peonies are a popular addition to the garden.

These beautiful gardens were started in the 1870s when two of the region’s oldest introduced trees were planted – the Sycamore and Oak, which are now protected. A native Kauri tree was also planted there in the 1960s and, in the decades since, the gardens have gradually evolved and been enhanced.

Longbush Cottage is A modern cottage garden located in beautiful central-Wairarapa, New Zealand. A sanctuary of serenity and a haven for all plant enthusiasts. Open by appointment, and hosting events throughout the year.

JJ took over the property in 2003. Then in a ruinous state, it has been a restorative challenge. Bordered by magnificent hedges, the majority of Brookfield’s gardens are contained within this structure, entered through a 100-year-old Weeping Elm straddling the driveway.

Just north of New Plymouth, John and Diana have transformed a 10 acre lifestyle block bound by the Waiongana River into a tranquil elegant working country garden. This has results in the property being voted as one of Taranaki’s most sought-after and unique wedding ceremony venues.

Perennial borders with camellias, rhododendrons and roses surround a large lawn. The garden is full of surprises which include aviaries, a native dell and a shade house. In 2005 the owners acquired an old Methodist church which they relocated to Openlands. Once renovated, and with the surrounding area attractively landscaped, it rapidly became a main feature of the gardens and now makes a perfect venue for weddings.

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.

Willows Green – A Hillside Garden in the Heart of Marlborough

Willows Green is a thoughtfully designed hillside garden nestled in Blenheim’s Fairbourne Drive, overlooking vineyards and with views out toward the Wither Hills. Created by Dave and Kirsty Wraight, this private garden has been gradually developed since 2017 and continues to evolve, blending cottage charm with structural planting and seasonal colour.

This former greywacke quarry has been transformed into an arboretum over the past 32 years. It provides the foundation for a unique art-in-nature concept throughout its 17.5 hectares where imaginations are inspired, creative exploration encouraged and mental and physical health nurtured. 

Gifted to the citizens of Whanganui, Bason Botanic Garden has been developed from bare farmland since 1966. Extensive roading allows the visitor to tour the garden without leaving their vehicle while tree plantings, widespread lawns and modern conservatories have added a completely new dimension.

Woodend Gardens are situated just five minutes north of Blenheim. A formal gateway and extensive curved driveway lined with blue agapanthus sets a stunning scene for the established gardens.