Garden Design Society of New Zealand

12/02/2026

Today we acknowledge with deep sadness the passing of Pip Cheshire CNZM (1950–2026).

Pip was a significant figure in New Zealand architecture and a valued part of the GDSNZ family. Thoughtful, incisive, and generous with his time and ideas, he shaped not only buildings, but the way we understand and speak about architecture in Aotearoa.

Many of us will remember him from our garden tours and for his engaging presence at our Christmas gathering at Dawson & Co. He brought insight to every conversation and a deep respect for the relationship between architecture and landscape.

Pictured here in Whangapoua (10 April 2021), with his back to the architecture and his eyes to nature, the landscape and the environment — a quiet reflection of how he moved through the world.

His contribution to the built environment and to the design profession in New Zealand leaves an enduring legacy. We are grateful to have shared moments, conversations, and community with him.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Aileen and to all who loved him.

Thank you, Pip. You will be remembered. 🌿💚

19/05/2024

1st release All Gardens Tickets for just $50* are only available until midnight tonight Sunday 19th May, 2024. Tomorrow the earlybird prices rises to $60*. Get yours now and save $$ (there will be no cheaper ticket). All profits to our chosen charities.

Auckland Garden DesignFest 2024

21/02/2024

The global legend, landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, is in Auckland next week! Join us for Kathryn's only Auckland lecture next Tuesday evening at Auckland University. Kathryn's firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman, based in London and Paris have won the contract to develop the Eiffel Tower site. Kathryn's lecture "Lecture: Crossing Connections and Breaking Boundaries" will explore how Landscape Architecture transcends conventional professional boundaries, serving as a pivotal force when designing and building amid global environmental concerns. Through case studies and insights from a life in practice, Kathryn will uncover the transformative potential of landscape architecture as the linchpin for forging a sustainable future amidst the complex challenges of urbanization and climate change. CPD points available: 10 NZRAB CPD Points, 15 GDSNZ CPD Points, 1.0 NZILA CPD Points per hour Tickets from https://www.gardendesignsociety.org.nz/event-details/kathryn-gustafson-lecture-auckland

21/02/2024

A handful of iconic projects by Kathryn Gustafson..
Lecture and masterclass tickets now available on the GDSNZ website.. link in bio.

Tuesday 27th February 2024 (Auckland lecture)

Thursday 29th February 2024 (masterclasses Auckland)
Thursday 7th March 2024 (Wellington lecture)

21/02/2024

Tickets available now on the garden design society website.
Link in bio!!!

09/02/2024

09/02/2024

An exciting start to 2024!!!

09/02/2024

11/01/2024

Upcoming Event!

For one night only, internationally acclaimed landscape architect/garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith and his wife Dr Sue Stuart-Smith; psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling book The Well Gardened Mind. Tom & Sue will jointly present an illustrated talk.

Tom has long been a renowned garden designer with public and private commissions worldwide and a string of gold-medal winning gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show. Sue has used her career as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist as the basis for her interest in the power of gardening to transform people’s lives. Her book The Well Gardened Mind was published in 2020 and became a Sunday Times bestseller. It has since been translated into eighteen languages. The book explores the benefits of gardens for our mental health and draws on her professional and personal experience.

Gardens are for People

A major source of inspiration for both Tom and Sue has been the garden they have created together over the last 35 years at The Barn, Serge Hill in Hertfordshire, England. Their beautifully illustrated talk will weave together the story of their own garden, as well as their community based project and plant library in the orchard at Serge Hill. Tom will also talk about recent projects of his where the societal aspects of gardening have been central, including: Le Jardin Secret in Marrakech, Bridgewater, the new garden for the Royal Horticultural Society, Chatsworth House for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and a garden the Hepworth Gallery Wakefield.

$45 GDSNZ members / students
$65 General Admission
$55 NZILA members
$25 Livestream/Watch online* ($15 GDSNZ members)

https://www.gardendesignsociety.org.nz/event-details/gardens-are-for-people-tom-sue-stuart-smith-te-pukenga-unitec-auckland-monday-12th-february-2024-6-9pm

24/08/2023

Members might be interested in this event coming up for Sustainable September https://www.aucklandclimatefestival.co.nz/ Its the 3rd year of this festival with many events that seek to help Aucklanders connect with te taiao, the natural world. Starts with a dawn service at the Auckland Botanic Gardens this coming Thursday, Aug 31, at 6.30am and there's a full programme around Tāmaki Makaurau after that throughout September.