About Longbush Cottage
Chief Gardener, Luke Gardner
I take great delight in my garden — a modern spin on the cottage style, inspired by 20th-century arts and crafts gardens.
I blend indigenous and exotic plants to give it a distinctly New Zealand flavour. The structure is formal, with straight lines and vistas, while the planting is relaxed and sometimes playfully wild.
My aim isn’t perfection, but a vibrant atmosphere filled with colour and character, centred around our restored 1890s cottage.
Our ethos is simple: to create a garden that celebrates nature while offering peace and inspiration. We’re proud to hold a 4-star rating from the New Zealand Gardens Trust, recognising our place in Wairarapa’s horticultural landscape.
Our Journey
From Eketahuna to Longbush
In 2015, we — Luke Gardner and Ben Quay — purchased Longbush Cottage as a quiet weekend retreat from our busy lives in Wellington. Within weeks, it was clear this wasn’t just a getaway; it was the beginning of a lifelong project.
The little 1890s cottage had already lived a remarkable journey of its own. Originally built in Eketahuna, it was carefully relocated to Longbush in 1998, trundled across paddocks and farm gates on the back of a truck.
By the time we arrived, it was weathered but full of charm, waiting for new energy and love. Since then, we’ve worked to restore the cottage from its worn-down state into a warm, welcoming heart for the gardens that now surround it.
Creating a Garden Sanctuary
When we first stepped onto the property, there was very little here beyond pasture and a few trees — no established gardens, just a small rose bed. To many, it looked like emptiness; to us, it was a blank canvas.
Inspired by the great arts and crafts gardens of the 20th century, we began sketching out a series of themed “garden rooms,” each with its own mood and planting style. From the bold colours of the Lipstick Garden to the elegant tones of the Pinot Noir Garden, every corner grew into a distinct experience.
Over time, those bare paddocks have transformed into a rich and diverse sanctuary. Today, Longbush is alive with birdsong, bees, and even frogs — a living landscape that balances structure with wildness, and design with nature.
Our Ventures
Glasshouses NZ
At Longbush Cottage, glasshouses are more than structures — they’re sanctuaries. We currently have four French-crafted LAMS glasshouses on site, each blending timeless European design with modern durability. They provide year-round spaces for reflection, cultivation, and creativity, from nurturing seedlings to hosting garden gatherings.
As the national distributor for LAMS in New Zealand, we’re proud to share these handcrafted glasshouses with gardeners around the country — inspiring others to create their own beautiful retreats.
Longbush Cottage Emporium
Nestled inside one of our glasshouses, the Longbush Cottage Emporium offers a curated collection of garden-inspired treasures and locally-made décor. From artisan ceramics and seasonal plant sales to cards, candles, and textiles, it’s a celebration of Wairarapa creativity.
Whether you’re looking for a keepsake of your visit or a thoughtful gift, the Emporium connects our gardens with the talent of our local community.
