A Celebration of Gardening

The Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair, proudly presented by Longbush Cottage and Parkvale Gardens, invites you to explore two stunning gardens, meet passionate local growers, and discover plants perfectly suited to Wairarapa's climate.

Autumn is the perfect time to dig into your garden plans. With cooler days and ideal planting conditions, it's time to sow, plant, and prepare for growth.

The Gardens

Longbush Cottage Autumn Grass Borders
Longbush Cottage Autumn Grass Borders

Longbush Cottage

1023 Longbush Road, RD4, Masterton

Longbush Cottage is a modern cottage garden meticulously planted for year-round interest. This charming garden celebrates seasonal transitions and demonstrates how thoughtful plant combinations create a dynamic, evolving landscape.

During the plant fair, discover a curated selection of our favourite plants available for purchase. Luke will be on hand to share insights and answer questions about the plants for sale.

Parkvale Gardens
Parkvale Gardens

Parkvale Gardens

349 Moreton Road, Parkvale, Carterton

Parkvale Gardens is a naturalistic garden and nursery set within a 20-acre rural landscape in central Wairarapa. Inspired by wild plant communities, the garden celebrates seasonal change, resilience and ecological planting within a relaxed, evolving framework.

Streamside restoration, meadow-style plantings and layered perennial borders create a landscape that shifts beautifully through autumn and beyond.

What to Expect

🌿 Explore

Access to two breathtaking gardens.

  • 🏛️ Wander through two magnificent gardens bursting with autumn colour
  • 🌳 See established plantings and design techniques in action
  • 📸 Capture inspiration from seasonal combinations
  • 💡 Explore different garden styles and approaches

🛍️ Buy

Unique plants direct from local growers.

  • At Parkvale:
    • Parkvale Nursery
    • Country Plants
    • Demeters Grove
    • Papawai Nursery
  • At Longbush:
    • Longbush Cottage
    • Solid Elegance
    • Grand Illusions
    • Irises by Mary
    • Stu's Plants

🍽️ Enjoy

Great food and coffee from local vendors.

  • At Parkvale:
    • Dovecote House
  • At Longbush:
    • Longbush Cottage Wine & Beers
    • Jake's Coffee & Food
    • Wildchix's Muesli

🤝 Connect

Meet passionate growers and find hidden treasures.

  • 💬 Chat with expert growers and fellow plant enthusiasts
  • 🌺 Discover rare and unusual plant varieties
  • 🔍 Find plants perfectly suited to your garden
  • 🌱 Share tips and build your gardening network
  • ✨ Uncover hidden gems from local nurseries

Vendors & Exhibitors

We will be announcing more vendors and exhibitors in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

If you are a vendor or exhibitor and would like to participate, please contact us.

Event Info & FAQ

Contact & Location

Have a specific question? Email us at info@longbushcottage.co.nz
or join the discussion on our Facebook event page:


🗺️ Click for directions between both gardens
🗺️ Click for directions between both gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Yes, tickets are $20 at the gate (Cash or Eftpos), or book online to skip the queue.

Is there parking?

Yes, ample parking is available at both garden locations.

Can I pay for plants by card?

Yes, we accept both cash and card payments. Please note that some vendors may have a minimum card payment amount, and may not accept all card types, specifically EFTPOS cards with no Chip & PIN functionality.

Do I need to book in advance?

Online booking is recommended but walk-ups are welcome. Booking helps us plan for crowd management and vendor arrangements.

What if it rains?

The event goes ahead rain or shine—bring your gumboots!

Are dogs allowed?

For the safety of the plants and guests, please leave dogs at home.

What time should I arrive?

The gardens open at 9am. We recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and have more time to explore.

Can I visit both gardens?

Yes! A single ticket ($20) gives you access to both Longbush Cottage and Parkvale Gardens throughout the day.

Is there a licenced bar?

Yes, Longbush Cottage has a licenced bar offering a selection of beverages.

Is food available?

Yes, both gardens have food vendors offering a variety of refreshments and meals.

When booking tickets you can also pre-order food from select vendors to enjoy during your visit.

Can I bring a picnic?

Outside food isn't permitted, but there are food vendors at both locations offering refreshments and meals.

Are there facilities available?

Both gardens have restroom facilities and seating areas. Bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor comfort.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome! It's a great opportunity for families to explore beautiful gardens and learn about plants.

Is there an age restriction?

Children under 14 are free with a paying adult. All ages are welcome to enjoy the gardens and plant fair.

Accessibility

Both gardens are a mixture of gravel and grass pathways, many are wheelchair accessible, and assistance is available for those who need it. Please contact us in advance for any specific requirements.

Accessible parking is available near the entrance at both locations. Please ask on arrival for assistance.

We strive to make the event enjoyable for everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at info@longbushcottage.co.nz.

🌿 Don't Miss Out

Reserve Your Spot at the Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair

📅 Saturday 28th March 2026

🕘 9:00am - 3:00pm

🎟️ Tickets: $20 per person

Visit two beautiful gardens, meet expert growers, and discover plants perfect for your garden

Book Your Tickets Now

✓ Skip the queue • ✓ Secure your entry • ✓ Easy online booking