Garden Life

Garden Life August

Tuesday 5th 6pm & Wednesday 6th 1pm

Main Speaker (Tuesday evening) Steve Bush - Trees for Canterbury

Steve Bush has been the driving force behind Trees for Canterbury since 1992, transforming it from a small community project into a leading environmental and social enterprise. Under his leadership, the organisation has propagated over 1.1 million native plants and restored more than 100 hectares of native bush across the region. Steve champions native species such as kahikatea and tī kōuka, and his commitment to sustainability is reflected in the nursery’s use of recycled materials and inclusive practices.

He was recognised by the CHS in 2019 with an Outstanding Horticulturalist Award and in the 2020 New Year Honours list with a Queen's Service Medal of for his significant contributions to conservation and community engagement in Waitaha.

Main Speaker (Wednesday afternoon) Sue Heazlewood - Tangleby Gardens

Sue Heazlewood has written six cook books including, A Table at Tangleby and Tails of Tangleby 2 which both won 1st place at the Gourmand Best in the World Cookbook Awards. Sue has a passion for cooking, entertaining, gardening and making her home a place of special and happy moments.

“Cooking, gardening and making my home feel special have always been a big part of my life. Add in six children under the age of six and a love of entertaining, and you can start to imagine just how busy I have been. My children are all adults now and I am a lucky first-time Nana."

Find out more about her inspiring garden and get excited for our event in November, A Taste of Tangleby.

Mini Speakers: CHS Garden Clubs
The Canterbury Horticultural Society (CHS) Garden Clubs are an integral part of the local gardening community, fostering a passion for horticulture and providing a platform for members to connect, learn, and share their expertise. These clubs represent a diverse range of interests and skill levels, welcoming both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners. Learn more about a club near you from our reps and members!

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Garden Life September

Tuesday 2nd 6pm & Wednesday 3rd 1pm
Main Speaker: Peter Langlands
Foraging Ōtautahi

Peter Langlands is one of Aotearoa’s most respected foraging experts—an "accidental botanist" with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Based in Christchurch, he studied natural sciences and zoology at Canterbury University, then worked as a fisheries observer and fly-fishing guide, gaining deep insights into freshwater and marine ecosystems .

He’s become a licensed professional forager, sourcing wild produce for top New Zealand chefs like those at Amisfield, and compiling one of the country’s largest databases of wild edible plants—now with over 250 species documented in his new book Foraging New Zealand. His work also includes workshops, guided tours across diverse regions (alpine, coastal, and river environments), and online webinars teaching safe and sustainable foraging.

Mini Speaker - Hayley Guglietta

Hayley is a passionate Christchurch-based community leader with a proven track record of transforming urban landscapes for environmental and social wellbeing. As Network Manager at the Avon Ōtākaro Network (AvON), she spearheads strategic river corridor restoration, forging effective co-governance frameworks alongside mana whenua and local councils.

She also chairs the Richmond Community Garden Trust and drives the Riverlution collective—leading food forests, sustainability events (including Matariki celebrations), and education programs in Christchurch’s red zone. Under her leadership, AvON has revitalized community green spaces, built sustainable infrastructure, and nurtured partnerships to secure funding and stewardship of public land .