A gardener's canvas

A lake, an orchard and a major house renovation are just some of the plans for a park-like Marlborough property, LYNDA PAPESCH discovers. 

Moving to Marlborough brought a host of new beginnings for former Cantabrians Shireen and Kevin Kilpatrick. The most exciting, though, has to be the new home they have acquired in Selmes Rd, on the outskirts of Blenheim. The land upon which it sits is a blank canvas just waiting for Shireen to make her mark.

Having already designed and created a 1600-square metre show garden in Christchurch, Shireen is no stranger to working the land, although gardener's back means much of the heavier work falls to Kevin.

Landscaping plans include a lake, an orchard and a potager, creating quite a different garden from her last.

"In Christchurch we had a very English-style garden to go with our Georgian-style home," she says. Initially she developed the garden for her own pleasure, then a friend with a tour company convinced her to open it to mainly Japanese tour groups and for weddings.

"We'd host up to 32 guests at a time; letting them wander the gardens and serving them a Kiwi-style lunch using produce from our vegetable garden. They loved it," says Shireen.

An ex-copywriter and then wedding florist, Shireen has no shortage of creative skills and has already sketched a design for her new garden.

"I love planting and seeing things grow; I come from a gardening family. My father was an orchardist. "For me it's about combinations, form and texture in the garden."

She and Kevin had been regular visitors to Marlborough, and some years ago invested in a vineyard here.

"We found the property and then bought it, but initially had no plans to move here," says Shireen.

Then about two years ago Kevin decided it was time to retire.

So after 42 years in Christchurch they were Marlborough bound.

Their 12-hectare property, known as Kilbrook, includes an 8ha sauvignon blanc vineyard, which until now has taken priority.

Minor changes have already been made: moving the driveway, creating a series of stone bridges, land clearance. But now the couple is gearing up for stage one of the new garden. They will also renovate the house to make the most of the sunnier areas and 360-degree views.

The end result, Shireen hopes, will be park-like with lots of specimen trees, a laurel hedge and walkway, and many of her favourite rhododendrons and camellias. She is also planning lots of lush lawn, deep borders and textured foliage.

"I want flow, and nothing that dominates the eye. I want a garden for all seasons although in the height of summer I'd like to see cool colours whites, greens and blues."

A firm believer in doing the groundwork, Shireen relies on Kevin for much of that aspect.

Meanwhile, Kevin enjoys the change from the office to working the land.

"It also gives me more time to be with Shireen," he said, hard at work clearing a stand of trees.

Both agree Kilbrook is already a lovely and tranquil place.

Still, Shireen would like the garden done yesterday, but is realistic and is aiming to have it done in two years in time for their son to get married there.

"Moving to Marlborough meant I lost my [Christchurch] gardening infrastructure, but I'm meeting lots of lovely new people here and setting up new contacts. And my Christchurch friends love coming to visit!"