THE WILLIAMS MUSEUM

Henry assumed responsibility for organising the garden; trees and shrubs were planted and a large vegetable garden. A substantial glasshouse was later attached to the house. Local Maori assisted him in maintaining the garden and lawns. Only a few signs remain today of the original plantings.

 

The extensive grounds are of historic interest as they contain plantings dating from the time Henry and Marianne lived there.  The property of around 1.5 ha had native trees on it when the house was built, including few large totara. He planted many fruit and nut trees, of which surviving specimens include the Poorman’s Orange (a sweet grapefruit), and possibly the pear and walnut trees near the Western boundary as he created an orchard in that area. A wisteria, a row of cypresses, black poplar, magnolia, and a tulip tree, may also have been among Henry’s plantings. 

 

There are numerous records about Henry’s work in the garden, digging and planting; he reports one day on planting seven different types of cabbages. A set of photos taken in 1866 show a glasshouse (which no longer exists), workmen scything the grass to maintain a rough lawn and the elderly couple in the garden with family and visitors.  The relationship between house and church was of great importance to Henry and Marianne who planted a linking avenue of oak trees.  Although the avenue is now severed by the main road, the few oaks remaining from the mid-19th Century still provide dramatic landmarks for both properties.

 

The Trust is fortunate that the main tenants from 1950 onwards cherished and continued to develop the garden.  Major plantings by the Poore family include an American scarlet oak and a beech tree – both now of a notable size. The persimmon by the house is also exceptional.  Other plantings by them and their successors include magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias and a gingko.  A stream running parallel to the Eastern boundary and first used as a basic water supply for the house was dammed in the mid-20th Century to form an artificial lake to the North.  Recent plantings of olive trees, standard roses and buxus hedges reflect early 21st Century trends.

 

The property has recently been surveyed and a garden plan developed by Geoff Pickles, architect and current tenant.  He and his wife bring a new vision and formidable work ethic to the development of the grounds.  An important new feature is a garden pavilion echoing the shape of the house and containing Henry’s original tombstone. The trustees believe that the garden, with its layers of historic planting, is a major asset worth developing.  With its large trees, water feature and farming landscape, the garden already provides an appropriately lovely setting to the elegant 19th century house.