New Plymouth Gardeners Prepare for Festival After 50 Years of Marriage

When Graeme and Jan Worthington transitioned from their dairy farm in Toko to their current residence on the outskirts of New Plymouth, they anticipated a peaceful retirement. Instead, the couple, celebrating 50 years of marriage, has found themselves fully immersed in preparing their Hurworth Country Garden for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, which commenced on October 13, 2023.

Their garden is among 43 featured in the festival, which runs concurrently with the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival, the Sustainable Backyards Trail, and the Taranaki Arts Trail. Each year, the event attracts hundreds of visitors eager to explore the diverse gardens across the region.

Upon moving to their one-hectare property 13 years ago, the Worthingtons believed they would enter a period of semi-retirement. “But it’s far from semi-retired,” Jan remarked. “It’s almost full-time work for the two of us.” Recently, they have dedicated up to 12 hours a day tending to their garden, ensuring it is prepared for the anticipated influx of guests.

Graeme shared, “I tell you what, it keeps us fit and active. Keeps the brain going with people asking the botanical names and things.” The couple has cultivated an extensive range of plants, with Jan’s background as a teacher allowing her to recall the names of many species throughout the garden. “I’d slow down to nothing if we lived in town,” Graeme added.

The couple inherited a garden that had been heavily neglected, with dense overgrowth and weeds like wandering willie. It took them approximately three years to restore the space before they could begin planting. Today, their garden features a large lawn, various fruit trees, a vegetable garden, and both native and exotic trees.

Key elements include pergolas, retaining walls, and a stone river rock wall that once enclosed an old tennis court, which Graeme has since replaced with more lawn. Jan noted the personal connections embedded in their garden, as many plants were gifts from friends and family over the years. Their prior gardening experience and farming background have proven advantageous, allowing them to effectively manage soil health and fertilization routines.

Graeme takes particular pride in maintaining the garden’s lush lawn. A highlight for the couple is their summer house, constructed three years ago using recycled windows from Vogeltown Primary School. Sitting in the summer house, they expressed their readiness to welcome visitors.

In past festivals, they have hosted around 300 visitors per day, but the couple remains undaunted by the numbers. “It’s just so lovely to share with people. It makes the garden festival worthwhile being part of,” Jan stated. “Because you’re sharing what we love doing and we get great feedback.”

Looking ahead, Graeme has already identified improvements for the following year, including plans to add another pergola. “It’s great – we always come up with different ideas,” he said, reflecting on their ongoing commitment to enhancing their garden experience.

As the festival progresses, the Worthingtons continue to embody the spirit of community and passion for gardening, demonstrating that retirement can sometimes lead to unexpected new beginnings.