About
About Us
Welton House Garden gratefully acknowledges the vision and efforts of those who have nurtured this land in the centuries before us and of those who will do so when we are gone.
The current incarnation is the third garden collaboration between owner Wendy Palmer and her brother, world renowned garden designer, Ross Palmer. This, probably their last project, began at the start of the millennium.
Wendy lives in Welton House with her daughter Maia and their dogs. They are kept company by plentiful family, friends and guests.
“Welton House Garden provides a unique experience for the plant connoisseur, for the history junkie and for those who simply desire to know how we live.”
Our History
In 1878, Arthur Mills, began the arduous task of removing the indigenous bush to create a plot for his first simple cottage and the groundwork for what would become Welton House Garden.
The current homestead, Welton House, was built in 1901 for Arthur’s new wife, Sarah and named for the village where she was born in England. Over the decades it has been extensively enlarged and remodelled. Fortunately, the inside of the house has maintained its character and is adorned with many original features including soaring ceilings and extensive New Zealand native woods wearing the golden patina of age.
From the beginning, the seven acre garden, has been a significant part of the local community and was renowned for its elegant, annual garden parties and fierce tennis tournaments. This tradition continues with frequent fundraisers for local charities.
Welton House was built high, on an ancient sand dune, to avoid the floods that came regularly from the Wairau and Ōpaoa Rivers. With flood protection and drainage, Welton House’s role, as a local refugee centre, is no longer required but this elevation creates unique and stunning views of the Richmond Ranges and the Wither Hills from house and garden.
The early settlers focussed on large trees from their British homeland and these mature specimens gracefully describe Welton’s colonial past and are protected and listed on Notable Trees of New Zealand.
The fertile soils of the lower Wairau Plains have been a treasured source of human food for at least 700 years. Fruit and vegetables are still a significant part of the garden with a focus on heritage varieties.
In the 1800’s the farm produced crops, seeds, wool and mutton. Since the 1990’s geometric rows of Marlborough’s world famous Sauvignon Blanc grapes have replaced the sheep and the crops. Their long lines draw the eye from the garden to the dramatic hills beyond.
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