Thur 10 - Sun 13 September 2026
Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane

What is the Garden Showcase?

The Garden Showcase is where imagination meets reality.

Step into a beautifully curated collection of six full-scale landscape gardens, each thoughtfully designed by leading landscape designers to showcase a unique way of living outdoors. While every garden tells its own story, together they create one seamless journey through the very best in modern landscape design, offering inspiration that homeowners can realistically bring to life in their own backyards.

From lush tropical retreats and native New Zealand landscapes to sophisticated entertaining spaces, family-friendly gardens and tranquil wellness escapes, every detail has been carefully considered. Discover innovative planting ideas, premium paving and decking solutions, water features, outdoor kitchens, bespoke structures, lighting, furniture, fire features, and the latest products from some of New Zealand’s leading outdoor brands.

Whether you’re planning a complete landscape transformation or simply searching for fresh ideas, the Garden Showcase is designed to inspire every style, budget and stage of your outdoor project.

The Relaxation Retreat

Escape the everyday in a garden designed entirely for rest and wellbeing.

This peaceful sanctuary combines soft planting, natural textures and calming water features to create a space that encourages you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Comfortable seating, secluded corners and carefully layered greenery demonstrate how even modest outdoor spaces can become your own private retreat.

Featured elements may include:

  • Water feature
  • Spa pool or sauna
  • Timber boardwalk
  • Natural stone paving
  • Feature trees
  • Fragrant planting
  • Garden lighting
  • Sculptural elements
  • Comfortable outdoor seating
  • Privacy screening
 

The Family Fun Garden

Designed with families in mind, this vibrant outdoor space proves that practical can still be beautiful.

Created for entertaining children and adults alike, the garden balances open lawn areas with clever activity zones that encourage outdoor play while maintaining a sophisticated landscape design. Durable materials and low-maintenance planting make it perfect for busy family life.

Featured elements may include:

  • Lawn play space
  • Giant outdoor games
  • Timber decking
  • Stepping stones
  • Outdoor bean bags
  • Raised garden beds
  • Edible planting
  • Feature shade tree
  • Family dining area
  • Smart storage solutions

The Outdoor Living Pavilion

Outdoor living has become an extension of the modern home, and this beautifully designed entertaining space demonstrates exactly how to make the most of it.

Imagine gathering with family and friends around a fully equipped outdoor kitchen complete with premium BBQ, pizza oven and dining area, surrounded by elegant paving, hardwood decking and architectural planting. Layered lighting, stylish outdoor furniture and feature screens create a welcoming space that feels every bit as comfortable as your indoor living room.

Featured elements may include:

  • Outdoor kitchen & BBQ
  • Pizza oven
  • Hardwood decking
  • Large format paving
  • Dining & lounge furniture
  • Pergola or shade structure
  • Feature lighting
  • Architectural planting
  • Fire pit
  • Decorative pots and planters

The Tropical Escape

You don’t need to leave Auckland to enjoy resort-style living.

Lush palms, bold foliage and vibrant planting combine to create a luxurious garden inspired by tropical destinations. Layered greenery, textured materials and relaxed entertaining spaces transport visitors to a holiday paradise while demonstrating how tropical gardens can thrive in New Zealand conditions.

Featured elements may include:

  • Tropical planting
  • Palms and feature foliage
  • Timber decking
  • Poolside styling
  • Outdoor lounge
  • Water feature
  • Decorative screening
  • Natural stone
  • Mood lighting
  • Large statement pots

The Native New Zealand Garden

Celebrate the beauty of Aotearoa with a landscape inspired by our unique natural environment.

This garden showcases how native planting can create a stunning, low-maintenance landscape that supports local wildlife while delivering year-round interest. Rich textures, natural stone and sustainable materials blend effortlessly into a design that feels timeless and distinctly New Zealand.

Featured elements may include:

  • Native trees and shrubs
  • Grasses and groundcovers
  • Natural stone pathways
  • Timber boardwalk
  • Rain garden
  • Sustainable planting
  • Feature boulders
  • Wildlife-friendly landscaping
  • Low-water irrigation
  • Rustic seating

The Modern Lifestyle Garden

Clean lines, innovative materials and smart design come together in a contemporary landscape that reflects today’s way of living.

This sophisticated garden demonstrates how thoughtful planning can maximise every square metre, seamlessly blending functionality with style. Expect bold paving patterns, precision planting, integrated lighting and exciting innovations including a tiny home or studio space, creating endless possibilities for work, guests or additional living.

Featured elements may include:

  • Contemporary paving
  • Composite or timber decking
  • Tiny home or garden studio
  • Outdoor office space
  • Modern fire feature
  • Minimalist planting
  • Architectural trees
  • Integrated lighting
  • Designer fencing and screening
  • Smart irrigation and technology