In June 2025, we began a trial project to garden in and between the plots of the rows fronting Church of England and Roman Catholic sections, leading away from The Shelter. They represent two of the four original sections of the cemetery and contain the most historic plots.
The purpose of this project is to improve the visual appeal, reduce maintenance and generally make the area an attractive setting for visitors. Our proposed planting selection is a combination of both natives and exotics, as was the original planting scheme in the cemetery that we can see in reference photos from about 1900.
We are trying to work with existing plants where they are of value and just need some maintenance. We plan to build on this existing structure with new plants that have been donated to us, or that we have cultivated or purchased. This page is a record of the project which will be added to as it develops.
November 2025
Iris season
The iris bulbs we planted at Matariki to get this project started are now fully in bloom. We hope to plant even more next year.
September 2025
Planting underway
We’ve been steadily planting the gifted plants we have received. This happens after we have placed a very thick layer of mulch on and behind the plot to suppress weed growth and reduce maintenance. The mulch is kindly supplied and delivered to us by the Cemetery staff.
Young plot
The Young plot has undergone quite a transformation. First of all the lovely old fashioned rose was given a prune. Then the grass which had been sprayed and died off was removed. We then placed a thick layer of mulch and added some of the Hellebores we were gifted. To read more about the Young’s, see our story here.
Daffodils
We have anxiously been waiting for our first daffodils to appear on the Atkinson plot. Over 100 were planted on this bank back in June.
August 2025
Onslow Garden Club
We were asked to speak at the Onslow Garden Club and share our project plan. This talk followed on from one given by Susan Oliver about Te Henui Cemetery. The Club members kindly donated numerous plants to us.
Visit from our friends at Te Henui Cemetery
Susan Oliver from Te Henui Cemetery visited us at Karori. As we were greatly inspired by what she has achieved in New Plymouth, we were pleased to show her over the cemetery and talk over our plans for a similar result. Susan also kindly gifted us several boxes of Hellebores / Winter Roses for our planting.
Preparing plots and ‘finds’
In preparing the plots for planting, we often discover that they actually have a concrete surface (ledger) underneath a thick layer of leaf mold and simply need raking out. In others where we have been weeding, we find gate hinges or railing posts which we carefully place to one side.
July 2025
We’re discovering that a good number of the plots don’t need plants, they need a sweep! The Green plot had hidden treasure underneath. This month was largely dedicated to clearing plots so that we could establish what was available for planting. You can read the story from this plot here.
June 2025
We began the project in earnest on Matariki when we planted 300 Iris bulbs in 6 plots, and 100 Daffodil bulbs on the bank below the Atkinson plot.
May 2025
A picture paints a thousand words, and sometimes it is easier to share our vision using imagery. These ‘artists impression’ images below were generated by Photoshop and are intended to inspire rather illustrate out actual plant selection. In all cases, we simply want the plots to appear cared for and show the potential of our project.
‘Artist’s impressions’ Before & After of what might be achieved:
These images below were taken in the cemetery around 1900-1910. They show the original Sexton’s cottage by the main gate, the Shelter, the Crematorium and chapel and the garden at the entrance (the present day rose garden). They all demonstrate a combination of native and exotic plants which we are using for inspiration in our planting.
