About Longbush Cottage
Chief Gardener, Luke Gardner
I take great delight in my garden! It boasts a contemporary spin on the classic cottage style, inspired by 20th-century arts and crafts gardens.
My preference is to blend indigenous plants with foreign ones to imbue it with a distinct New Zealand flavour. While the structure is mainly formal, characterized by straight lines and vistas, the planting has a more relaxed feel, occasionally appearing a tad wild.
My aim is not to achieve horticultural perfection but rather to create a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere with a variety of plant themes. And, at its core, is a charming little 1890s cottage that I have restored from its dilapidated state.
Our Journey: The Story of Longbush Cottage
When we, Luke Gardner and Ben Quay, first purchased Longbush Cottage in 2015, it was intended as a weekend retreat from city life in Wellington. Little did we know, after just a month, we realized that this beautiful space in the heart of Wairarapa would become our full-time passion. The cottage was built in the 1890s in Eketahuna, it was moved to the property in 1998. The cottage has since been fully restored from its former derelict state.
Originally part of a working farm, the property had no garden to speak of—just a small rose bed and a few trees. It was a blank canvas, and from that, we began envisioning a modern cottage garden. Inspired by the arts and crafts gardens of the 20th century, I designed a series of garden rooms, each with its own theme, from the playful Lipstick Garden to the Pinot Noir Garden. Over time, these spaces have flourished into a haven for native birds, bees, and even frogs.
Our ethos at Longbush Cottage is simple: we aim to create a garden that celebrates nature in all its beauty while offering visitors a chance to explore and find peace. We’re proud to have been recognised by the New Zealand Garden Trust with a 4-star rating, cementing our place in Wairarapa’s horticultural scene.
In 2024, we’re embarking on an exciting new venture. We’ve partnered with LAMS Glasshouses, a premier French glasshouse manufacturer, to bring their exquisite structures to New Zealand. These handcrafted glasshouses are more than just garden additions; they are places of reflection and relaxation, perfect for connecting with nature throughout the year.
As we continue to grow, we’re also launching the Longbush Cottage Emporium. This unique space showcases locally-made décor, craft, and art from Wairarapa artisans. It’s our way of supporting local creativity while helping others enhance their own garden sanctuaries.
Our journey from city dwellers to full-time gardeners has been transformative. Whether you’re visiting for our annual Tulip Festival or exploring the garden on a quiet afternoon, we invite you to share in the beauty, inspiration, and community that is Longbush Cottage.
