94 | EVENTS Anam Cara Gardens T T Ange Davidson Anam Cara Gardens ‘an incredible draw card’ The gardens are well booked for weddings throughout the summer season and couples have free reign to choose the site that suits them. Qualified Professional Arborist Experienced, Efficient & Insured Big or Small Jobs www.gordonstreemendoustrees.co.nz • Free Quote • Tree Advice • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Tidying Trees • Stump Grinding • Mulching • Hedge Trimming Gordons Treemendous Trees gordonstreeservices@gmail.com A dedicated team of gardeners and contractors, from arborists to specialised greenkeepers, are behind the immaculate grounds of Anam Cara Gardens, a function and events centre a short distance from the Tasman Ocean on Kapiti Coast. Now rated with the New Zealand Gardens Trust, the 10-acre paradise was originally designed by Cynthia Coe in the mid-1980s and comprises of nine garden rooms, each with its own micro-climate. Owner and Managing director Teresa Grigg says the garden is an incredible draw card and has been on the garden tour circuit for many years. Along with subsequent owners, Teresa and her husband Tim have made a few changes. “We’ve levelled up the maintenance of the gardens to make it more sustainable but the structure and large exotic and native trees remain the garden’s backbone,” says Teresa. “There’s a beautiful, almost spiritual feel to the gardens that photos don’t do justice to. It’s very tranquil and it encourages people to connect with nature.” It’s no surprise that the gardens are well booked for weddings throughout the summer season and couples have free reign to choose a ceremony site that suits them. Wedding parties can rent the gardens for their exclusive use for one or three days with accommodation options on site that include a main villa, a bridal suite and a separate Groom’s Quarters - an upmarket man’s cave complete with pool table, darts board and a bar. Sleeping 18 people in total, the accommodation allows guests to make the most of the magnificent surroundings and eliminates the stress of transport and other logistics. A modern and botanically themed function centre seats 120 guests and Teresa has a list of preferred caterers for weddings and events. Equipped with PA system, WiFi and communication facilities, outdoor games, tables, chairs and a bar; the centre is as popular with functions and special events as it is for weddings. There’s even a helicopter pad but if you’re travelling by road, Anam Cara Gardens is only one hour’s drive from Wellington Airport. “We are really busy with weddings during February and March and generally finish the wedding season by May. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to make people’s events magical,” says Teresa. Anam Cara Gardens has hosted a five day Festival of Pots and Garden Art long before Teresa and Tim bought the gardens. The Otaki Pottery Club fundraiser is run each year on Wellington’s anniversary weekend and attracts crowds of up to 5000 people. The event is a staple on the garden festival calendar and great publicity for the gardens. This year Teresa and Tim are giving Mother’s Day an upgrade with a high tea catered by Patisserie Chef Louis Sergeant, one of Kapiti Coasts culinary treasures. Later in the day, there is Gin and Cake, an opportunity to indulge in gin cocktails, fine foods, live music and of course, the gardens. “We are really busy with weddings during February and March and generally finish the wedding season by May.” “Weddings are very seasonal, so we’re really keen to build our tourism market and we’re in the process of gaining New Zealand Tourism’s QualMark certification. We host garden tours and private functions along with stay on site leadership courses, plus we have our beautiful accommodation for private stays.” Teresa and Tim bought the property in 2017. It was previously used as a spiritual retreat and B&B. Teresa works fulltime in the business along with Venue Manager Carlene Chester who oversees the weddings and functions. Tim, a registered electrician with a business of his own, is in charge of maintenance and loves to run some of the weddings and events. “We call Tim ‘The Romantic Tradie’. He loves people and weddings,” laughs Teresa. Photo: Binh Trinh - Picture Perfect Photo: Mel Waite Photography
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