Welcome to the Garden Design Society
The Garden Design Society aims to inspire its members, and to support them in providing excellent design services for their clients.
It grew out of an informal group of designers, meeting back in the 1990s, seeking to create a professional support network / organisation for garden designers. The group was formalised as the Society by staff and senior students at the Unitec Department of Landscape and Plant Science in 2002.
With a healthy membership base and a vibrant programme of activities each year, the Society is thriving. We have access to a wide range of speakers, field trips, garden visits, master classes and conferences, both here and in Australia.
As the current Chair, I think the Society can feel proud of the calibre of designers who choose to belong to the Society. Our recent rounds have accredited a growing number of younger designers and landscape architects, who find the Society supports them in their practice of garden design. The priorities for my term are to encourage more members to become accredited and to support them in raising the level of professionalism in their practice.
Our fabulous Events Team balance up this professional goal with lots of opportunities for collegiality, fun, and good times for our community of practice. We owe them a huge vote of thanks.
Please get in touch if you would like to join us
Latest News
Accreditation Info Evening - THU 13th DEC 2018
Looking to become an Accredited member of GDSNZ - Join us at this coming Info even at Glenys Yeoman's House
7:30pm
18B Aberfoyle St, Epsom
GDSNZ XMAS Party - NOV 30th
GDSNZ Xmas Party @ the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show
Click here for more information
GARDENS ON PLINTHS - 28th NOV - 2nd DEC
GDSNZ has created a group display by 23 very talented members at the NZ flower and Garden Show. Thanks to our sponsors Yates and Second Nature
Pop along to check it out. Click here for details of the show.
GDSNZ Student Awards for Excellence in Landscape D
GDSNZ President Penny Cliffin present 4 students awards for Excellence in Landscape Design at the UNITEC Grad Show 2018 - Congratulations Crystal Connell-Nash, Trent Hicks, Joanna van der Sluis & Kerryn Butler.
Moorish Garden Tour - MAY 11th - JUNE 1st 2019
Head off and see the delights of Moorish Gardens through Morocco, Spain & Portugal with our Academic members Penny Cliffin and Ian Henderson of HIKOI Tours.