"Gardens of the World" is the name of our six acre, 2.4 hectare, garden, open to the public from 10am till dusk all year round. It was first planted in 1990, so now is a mature garden.  There is plenty of colour and the design is such that there is something of interest all year round. The long opening hours give visitors plenty of time to enjoy this unique experience at most times of the day, and in all seasons. It is accessible by wheelchair, and we have a small trailer with seats to transport the elderly and infirm if required.   There is acharge for this

The Garden is a dream come true, a dream to give enjoyment in a "touch" of paradise, to conserve unusual plants in a world where there is so much destruction. The plantings are geographically grouped, in areas from different continents. There are also formal rose, herb and herbaceous areas, with a lake, stream and fountains.  The bird life in the Garden is one of it's unique features.

Many couples choose the Garden for their weddings, and sometimes the reception. It is used for other functions and by many groups. One of us is a Marriage Celebrant.

This is a special garden in that it caters for visitors enjoyment in a unique way; the 'natural' layout of the Garden coupled with the formal gardens in the middle, the water and peaceful atmosphere make this a place of renewal and recreation. Our aim is always to keep the garden in tip top condition, so that it is a great place to come for individuals, groups and for functions and events.

Have a look at the photos under the "Products" button.

Ultimately we plan to have a café/restaurant with an outside operator.

We enjoy all the visitors who come to our garden. They come from many walks of life, from in the Nelson District and other places in New Zealand. Many come from overseas. Other visitors come from Garden Clubs, other organisations, and individuals who want something different to do and a place to relax, Also Tour Groups, and some activities attached to functions and conferences held in Nelson.

We measure customer satisfaction by the comments in the visitors book at the gate. Some of these are:

"A wonderful experience" - Nita from Timaru
"this is our dream too - well done" - M & N from Albany, Auckland
"Very special. If only ours grew like this in 12 years" - A. & F. from Kent, England
"Tremendous dedication with wonderful results" - B. & R from Canada
"Great achievement in 12 years. Congratulations" - R. & L. from Dublin, Eire
" I will be back. Wonderful. A credit to you" - Helen from Rolleston
" How do you keep it so beautiful?" - B. from Rchmond
"A vision of loveliness" - Joan from Australia
"the best thing I've seen in New Zealand in 30 days" - Bob from Texas, USA

Don't forget to look at the photos of the Garden, click on Products to do so.

Check out these other web sites:
Nelson, NZ
NZ Wedding Planner, New Zealands One Stop Wedding Shop
NZ Weekend Gardener
Canterbury Horticultural Society Garden Register
New Zealand Rent a cars Nelson Branch
Wildflower World
Coastal Palms Apartments http://www.abel-tasman-accommodation.co.nz/links.html
Harlequin Promotions http://www.harlequin.co.nz/nelson 
Friars Gardens http://www.friarsgardens.co.nz

Geoff and Gillian Etherington,
95 Clover Rd east, Hope, P.O. Box 3046, Richmond, NZ,
Ph.03 5423736; fax 03 5423036, e-mail gf.gme@xtra.co.nz