Garden lovers, mark your calendars — Brightwater School is set to host its first-ever fundraising garden trail, and it’s already creating a stir.
Dubbed the Garden Party Trail, the event offers a rare chance to step inside some of Brightwater and Wakefield’s most lovingly tended private gardens. While the full list of locations remains under wraps, Waimea Weekly caught up with one of the featured hosts — long-time Brightwater gardener, Kerry Todd — for a sneak peek.
Kerry and her husband, Pete, bought their 1.12-hectare property in 1992. Over the past 30 years they have transformed it into a lush, inspiring country garden, complete with meandering paths, seasonal blooms, and quiet corners.
Shaped around raising their two sons and their love of the outdoors, the garden now includes themed spaces: a cherry blossom grove, woodland area, productive vege patch, and even a tunnel house to extend the growing season.
“It’s in the genes,” Kerry laughs. “My mother, grandparents, and my father-in-law – they were all gardeners. I was just lucky to have the space to grow a big garden.”
Kerry is also part of Secret Gardens, an online platform that showcases private gardens around New Zealand which visitors can book to explore.
The Garden Party Trail is not just a treat for the senses — it’s also raising funds for Brightwater School.
“Our two boys went there from 2001 to 2007,” Kerry says. “They both enjoyed their time there, and it’s nice to support the school now.”
Tickets are $20, with proceeds going directly to the school. The trail runs from 9am–4pm on Saturday, 18 October, allowing ticket holders to explore at their own pace. Tickets are available from Richmond Mall information desk, Brightwater Four Square, Little Sprig Wakefield, KC&CO Real Estate Nelson, and the Brightwater School office.
The day will conclude with a traditional school gala from 2pm–6pm, featuring food stalls, family-friendly activities, and guest speakers from the gardening community
So, gather your friends, grab some tickets, and discover the magic hidden behind Brightwater’s garden gates — all while supporting local education.
