Gearing up for garden extravaganza
The Land Gardeners: New Zealand-born and raised Bridget Elworthy and Englishwoman Henrietta Courtauld are headlining this year’s festival. Photo: Supplied
A milestone celebration gets underway tomorrow as Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough begins its birthday celebrations.
New Zealand’s premiere garden event turns 30 years old this year, with a great line up of speakers, gardens and workshops set to mark the special occasion.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday 8 November and concludes on Sunday 12 November with the ever-popular Stihl Shop Garden Fete.
And in true celebratory style, this year’s event features the biggest ever line up of workshop presenters as ticket sales reach record levels.
Garden Marlborough chair Luke Elworthy says there is plenty to look forward to.
“This year, our biggest ever line-up of workshop presenters includes some of Aotearoa’s most stimulating horticultural thinkers and innovators.
“We’re delighted to have the hugely popular international garden experts; Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld, aka The Land Gardeners, joining us again this year.”
The Land Gardeners: New Zealand-born and raised Bridget Elworthy and Englishwoman Henrietta Courtauld are headlining this year’s festival.
The duo is set to share their latest ideas on what to grow and how to look after soils to create beautiful, biodiverse gardens.
At their keynote talk on the evening of Friday 10 November, Bridget and Henrietta, will share stories from their diverse range of projects including their recent work at Althorp Estate.
“Recently we have been working on the Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire, home of the Spencer family. We have restored one walled garden and are now working on the restoration of the main walled garden which is over 5.5 acres, says Bridget.
“It’s fascinating researching the historical plants and drawing up plans for a cutting garden, medicinal gardens, orchards, vegetable gardens and vineyards.”
On the Thursday 9 November, the Land Gardeners are hosting a workshop discussing importance of soil health and the art of composting.
The pair are delighted to be back in Marlborough, says Bridget.
“We love the atmosphere at Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough - connecting to so many enthusiastic, friendly gardeners all sharing information.”
Sunday will see the popular STIHL Shop Garden Fête get underway.
Featuring more than 200 stalls there will also be free entertainment on offer.
Tickets to some events are still available at https://www.gardenmarlborough.co.nz/