Paula Kelly, gardener at Pegasus Bay Winery, transforms its grounds with decades of horticultural passion and experience, creating stunningly beautiful gardens in North Canterbury.
In the heart of Waipara, North Canterbury, Pegasus Bay Winery boasts stunning grounds that draw visitors from far and wide. One of the key players behind these breathtaking spaces is Paula Kelly, a seasoned gardener whose journey from a childhood spent on New Zealand’s West Coast to the flourishing gardens of Pegasus Bay is very inspiring.
Growing up on the South Island’s rugged West Coast, Paula’s passion for gardening was kindled early. “I always loved gardening,” she reminisces. “Hanging out in the veggie garden with my father was a favourite pastime. I grow a rose at home that reminds me of those times. It’s very unfashionable (‘Fragrant Cloud’), but when I bury my nose in it, it’s like I’m 7 years old again!”
Paula’s love for plants and nature led her to pursue a Horticulture degree at Lincoln University in the early 1980s. Post-graduation, she ventured abroad, working and travelling across the UK and Europe. Her days off were dedicated to exploring an extensive list of gardens, which enriched her horticultural knowledge and inspired her future endeavours.
In 1990, Paula settled in Amberley with her late husband, Richard. Today, she cherishes time with her foxy dog, Maggie, and her now-grown children. With the anticipation of her first grandchild later this year, Paula’s joy is palpable. Beyond gardening, she indulges in hobbies like line dancing with friends and even took up tap dancing last year.
For the past 20 years, Paula has been gardening at Pegasus Bay Winery. “It feels like five years,” she says, reflecting on her tenure. The winery’s garden team, led by Chris Donaldson, includes two part-timers: Greg Bloomer and Nicky Matthews. The team works so well together, bouncing ideas off each other, which leads to continuous expansion and transformation of the garden.
One of their recent projects was the installation of a massive Laburnum walk. “We also planted over 400 cuttings of blue hydrangeas in a new area over one of the red bridges—there are now four. They will eventually be under-planted with Hostas,” Paula explains with enthusiasm.
Her social media presence showcases the beautiful grounds of Pegasus Bay Winery, along with tips and tricks to inspire new gardeners. Here are some of Paula’s words of advice to fellow gardeners: “Sow some seeds. Give it a go. Take cuttings. Ask friends for bits from their garden (as long as they don’t have twitch, convolvulus or oxalis). Plan ahead where you are able to. Always load the front of your wheelbarrow, not the back—it will be much lighter to push! And have a compost pile if you can.”
Paula believes in learning from mistakes and encourages gardeners to experiment. “For me, gardening is good for the soul. It’s therapeutic. I usually wear gloves when gardening, but on the rare occasion I’m feeling upset or rattled, I’ll work with bare hands in the soil and immediately feel calmer and more centred.”
At home, Paula’s garden is a sanctuary of simplicity. “I don’t want to garden all day and again all evening. I grow a lot of dahlias and veggies at home. I would never be without courgettes, asparagus, and about seven varieties of beans, including one type that came out with my great-grandparents from Italy back in the late 1800s.”
Among her favourite plants at work are hydrangeas and dahlias for their long flowering display and beauty, and hostas for their foliage. Hellebores (winter roses), natives and Buxus come into their own in the winter. “They’re all easy to propagate from either seed, cuttings or division,” Paula adds.
Paula Kelly’s journey from a young girl in her father’s vegetable garden to gardener at Pegasus Bay Winery shows her dedication and love for horticulture. Her expertise, passion and willingness to share her knowledge make her a treasured figure in New Zealand’s gardening community. Whether at home or at Pegasus Bay, Paula’s gardens continue to bloom, bringing joy and tranquillity to all who encounter them.
Pegasus Bay Winery is in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on the east coast of the South Island in Aotearoa, New Zealand and a scenic 45 minute drive north of Christchurch.
Paula’s Instagram: @thepegasusbaygardener
