Welton House

A New Zealand garden of National Significance hidden amongst vineyards with surprises at every turn.

Sitting atop an ancient sand dune, Welton House, at 150 years old, is surrounded by rows of vineyards, native plants meticulously clipped to mirror the majestic Richmond ranges in the distance, and sprawling pathways weaving through majestic trees. Wendy Palmer and her brother Ross have created a garden lover’s dream with sustainability guiding at the helm.



“I have been gardening my entire life, it’s in my DNA,” shares garden owner Wendy Palmer. Twenty years ago, Wendy chose Welton House specifically for its mature trees, sparing herself the wait for trees to establish anew.



The house was in dire need of repair. It took Wendy two years to complete the renovation, stripping away the remnants of previous ‘massacred’ renovations. Now, the beautifully renovated house sits proudly, surrounded by spectacular garden areas with views from every room.



Wendy’s garden designer brother, Ross, has worked alongside Wendy to transform this garden. Strong modern elements such as expansive timber steps, steel-edged paths,and wonderful sculptures help define garden beds and injected intrigue throughout. Concealing the pool fence with lush plantings, and crafting meandering pathways lined with corokia formations resembling peaks, creates a whimsical wonderland to explore—a distinct signature of this remarkable garden.





Established trees, like the 144-year-old Lawson cypress, form the backbone of the garden and are constantly being trimmed and maintained—Wendy has arborists on speed dial! She believes that if there is one thing worth doing in the garden, "It’s to look after the trees."



As Wendy states, “no garden is ever finished”. Currently, Wendy and Ross are keen to extend and double the bush garden, aiming to restore the “big bush” and preserve the natural landscape. Wendy describes it as “planting food for birds, filling the larder.” Their plan involves reintroducing native plants endemic to the area, including Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), Totara (Podocarpus totara), Kahikatea (Dacrycarpusdacrydioides) and Flaxes (Phormium) with a focus on attracting more native birds such as the iconic tui. Wendy notes that upon her arrival, there were no tui birds in the area, but now they are beginning to nest on the property.



Vertical gardening is another project being developed. Epiphytes and orchids, including Australian species, are strapped to the trees to create layers of planting. 





The corokia hedge, sculpted to mimic the distant Richmond Range, is punctuated by the rich coral blooms of Leucospermum reflexum



For Wendy, there is “no home without a garden.” She finds her greatest joy amidst her garden, though this summer has been the “year of the daybed” as hot, dry conditions prompted her to seek refuge under the grand old Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), a notable presence listed in the New Zealand National Tree Register, standing at approximately 144 years old. With its pendulous branches, it is quite a statement in the garden. To maximise the utility of the space, modern floating steps and a deck have been constructed beneath the tree. Here, shielded from the relentless summer sun, Wendy can admire the magnificent trees, the border garden, and the epiphytes. The planting beneath the Lawson cypress has been meticulously selected to withstand the dry conditions.





The grounds of Welton House are packed with interesting ideas and plants, making it delightful destination for garden inspiration.



Arborists play a big role at this property; they are on speed dial on Wendy’s phone. She is constantly trimming and tidying branches, firmly believing that caring for the trees is paramount in any garden. To maintain the woodland garden, the trees require lifting to allow sufficient light for the plants underneath to thrive.



There are so many interesting ideas and points of inspiration from this garden, from a grouping of terracotta pots on the verandah to interesting plant varieties. Welton House Garden delivers through the seasons.

Garden owner, Wendy Palmer poses in the garden with her brother, landscape designer Ross Palmer.

For more information on Welton House,

Visit weltonhouse.co.nz or follow on Instagram @weltonhousegarden

Welton House is also part of the Ross Garden Tour: Spring Gardens in New Zealand, Marlborough and Hurunui Gardens 29 October-8 November 2024. For more information or to book, visit rosstours.com/new-zealand