Gardening by committee.

'Can we?' or 'can't we?' 'I love it!', 'I don't!'

The issues confronting a group of gardeners at a heritage garden are many and varied. At the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace garden we are bound by the dates of Mansfield's life, 1888-1923. We constantly ask ourselves, 'is it of the period?' Whether it is design or planting we must think of the Victorian settlers in colonial Wellington.

Of course with this in mind we have plenty of scope so personal preferences come into play. There are 5 of us, which is good if it comes down to a vote but I prefer discussion and compromise and this creates some fun.

But we all agree, change is necessary in the garden. We aim to have a garden which will provide interest throughout the year. Our designer, Rachael, already has her head around the big picture and we, the gardeners, no longer go just to weed!