Peek in on a Traditional Christmas — in a Summery Garden
Turkey and plum pudding grace this family's holiday table, but it happens to be set smack dab in a lush New Zealand garden
Rebecca Wilson's first project as a landscape architect was this Waikuku, New Zealand, garden — her parents' — which she has watched develop over 30 years with delight and a bit of awe. "Plants have died. Trees have fallen. But we've responded to these happenings in the garden and let its own character develop over time, instead of making it over to a magazine feature–worthy garden," she says. "I always tell people that there's nothing flashy here, yet I never tire of photographing it."
The garden's courtyard hosts Wilson's family's Christmas celebrations — outdoor affairs, as December is warm in New Zealand. "This garden reflects to me what landscape design is all about: creating beautiful spaces that people can really enjoy," she says.
Garden at a Glance
Who cares for it: The Wilson family
Location: Waikuku, New Zealand
The garden's courtyard hosts Wilson's family's Christmas celebrations — outdoor affairs, as December is warm in New Zealand. "This garden reflects to me what landscape design is all about: creating beautiful spaces that people can really enjoy," she says.
Garden at a Glance
Who cares for it: The Wilson family
Location: Waikuku, New Zealand
Wisteria climbs over the pergola, and ornamental grape drapes over the fence behind the garden table. "We have to keep this fellow in check, as otherwise it completely covers the pergola and wisteria," Wilson says. "The autumn colors on it are glorious, which makes up for its voracity."
Wilson's father restored this entry gate, which was made from the back of an old dray that he found on the property 40 years ago. The gate leads to the back of the courtyard, with a "crazy paving path," Wilson says.
The garden changes each time Wilson visits. "I no longer live here full time, so I appreciate it more. I know how much work goes into managing this type of garden, but it is a nice discipline to keep your eyes open and know when to stop and let it do its thing," she says.
This little path meanders through a casual mix of plantings toward a sculpture of a perched rooster, given to them by the neighbors, overlooking a farmyard and a chicken coop beyond.
This little path meanders through a casual mix of plantings toward a sculpture of a perched rooster, given to them by the neighbors, overlooking a farmyard and a chicken coop beyond.
Here, Klaas the rooster keeps watch over the holiday festivities.
A few years ago, the family lengthened the driveway into the home, bringing the elm trees in the farthest corner of the garden closer. This had a dramatic effect on the feel of the garden. "You now come in off the open road and the Canterbury Plains, and suddenly you're transported to this sheltered, leafy and peaceful place," says Wilson.
A few years ago, the family lengthened the driveway into the home, bringing the elm trees in the farthest corner of the garden closer. This had a dramatic effect on the feel of the garden. "You now come in off the open road and the Canterbury Plains, and suddenly you're transported to this sheltered, leafy and peaceful place," says Wilson.
Moss growing in the cracks between the pavers gives the area visual interest and an interesting geometric pattern. The moss is a seasonal occurrence that retreats when the cracks dry out in the spring.
An old barn along one edge of the garden was once covered in ivy. When it died, the wall evolved into this "sculptural masterpiece," as WIlson calls it, which she hopes stays with her family for a few more years.
Wilson underplanted the grove of kowhai trees with native gossamer grass, which she says "contrasts with the strong, upright forms and creates a soft division between the driveway and the house."
She describes her parents' house as "pretty ordinary" — it's an L-shape concrete block with a low-pitched roof and aluminum windows. Her mother immediately painted it black and planted ivy around the base. "Now it is completely covered and is a greenhouse requiring diligent shaving twice a year. It actually looks very acceptable now, as it kind of disappears into the garden," she says.
She describes her parents' house as "pretty ordinary" — it's an L-shape concrete block with a low-pitched roof and aluminum windows. Her mother immediately painted it black and planted ivy around the base. "Now it is completely covered and is a greenhouse requiring diligent shaving twice a year. It actually looks very acceptable now, as it kind of disappears into the garden," she says.
On Christmas Day the entire family heads to the courtyard. The informal table is surrounded by mismatched chairs, in tune with the casual, easygoing vibe of summer — and Christmas in New Zealand.
Wilson's mother makes fruit mince pies with sweet short pastry. "They are definitely the best I have ever had, and I've tried a few. My mother also makes a wonderful Christmas cake using a recipe from a great-great-grandmother," she says.
Wilson's mother makes fruit mince pies with sweet short pastry. "They are definitely the best I have ever had, and I've tried a few. My mother also makes a wonderful Christmas cake using a recipe from a great-great-grandmother," she says.
In the distance sits a simple garden bench under an oak. Its lime color matches the new growth. Tussock grasses provide a link to open paddocks beyond the fence. Wilson kept the stumps of removed trees for sculptural interest; she topped them with rocks from a local riverbed.
Despite the warm weather, Wilson's family celebrates a traditional English-style dinner, complete with turkey, Christmas ham and hot plum pudding with brandy hard sauce. "It's a bit rich and admittedly, it's crazy food for the beginning of summer," she says. "We also make special salads, often using kumara, our Maori sweet potato."
After toasting the holidays with sparkling wine or champagne, the Wilsons move on to local New Zealand wines: sauvignon blancs and varietals from just up the road in Waipara.
After toasting the holidays with sparkling wine or champagne, the Wilsons move on to local New Zealand wines: sauvignon blancs and varietals from just up the road in Waipara.
The landscape architect waxes philosophical when talking about letting the natural beauty of her family's garden become part of their larger vision for its management. "The whole garden doesn't have to be wild. It is often reassuring to have controlled, manicured areas. But it [would be] a shame, I think, for the whole garden to be kept tightly in check at all times," she says.