Maskells Garden | Explore Blooms Today! — Hurunui Garden Festival

A Garden Unfolding…

Hosts: Craig Patterson and Michelle Holland

Address: 194 Lawcocks Road, RD1 Amberley

Brackenbank made its debut in the Hurunui Garden Festival 2025. It is a garden under restoration and as enthusiastic beginners who struggled with inspiration, we invited festival visitors to share their ideas for some of the untamed areas still waiting for attention.

We were truly humbled by the response. Hundreds of thoughtful suggestions and planting ideas were shared, helping shape the next chapter of the garden.

Inspired by this, we are beginning to develop new spaces for 2026 – bringing a taste of other countries into our own backyard. This year’s additions include a Mediterranean garden, an Australian outback area, and a native Kiwi patch to encourage more local birdlife.

Already established is a rambling country garden beneath mature trees, the quiet calm of a Japanese teahouse garden, a French courtyard, a goldfish pond, quiet nooks made for sitting, and magical spaces perfect for family picnics. Brackenbank is a place to wander and meander.

We look forward to welcoming you as we continue to nurture and grow the garden into something even more special over time.