Welcome to Oasis Cottage – A Gardener’s Chronicle

G’day! I’m Steph, the green thumb behind Oasis Cottage, and this is my journal, chronicling the ever-evolving story of two ambitious garden projects nestled in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand.



From a young keen thing with dreams bigger than a backyard that I did not own, to a now retired enthusiast with the soil of Oxford and the Queen Charlotte Sounds beneath my fingernails, my journey has been anything but ordinary. With over 30 years of dirt-digging, plant-pruning, and, brow-wiping, I've grown alongside my gardens, learning that every day in the soil is a day well spent.

The Oxford Odyssey



Nearly two decades back, I took a leap of faith on a 5-acre plot in Oxford, North Canterbury, envisioning a traditional English garden in the Southern Hemisphere. What started as a blank canvas is slowly transforming into a living mosaic of beech and hornbeam hedges, whimsical cottage gardens, and formal areas that would (hopefully) make any English gardener nod in approval. It’s a space where the wild meets the meticulously planned—where orchards flourish and native birds find sanctuary. But it's a work in progress, a labour of love and patience, with every hedge trimmed and flowerbed nurtured bringing me closer to the dream.

The Coastal Conundrum

Then there's the wild child of my garden family, a 10-acre challenge in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. It’s a stark contrast to Oxford’s structured charm—rugged, raw, and untamed. Barely three years into this adventure, and every visit is a battle against the elements, the steep slopes, and tribes of goats and possums looking to undo my day's work. But it's here, amongst the wilderness, that I see the future—a sanctuary for birdlife, where the native flora can reclaim its rightful place, and where resilience is the root of beauty. This place is a privilege to exist in.



A Diary of Dirt and Dreams

Oasis Cottage isn’t just a blog; it’s a peek over the garden fence, an invitation into my world of perpetual growth and the occasional gardening gaffe. Here, I share not just the triumphs of a bloom perfected or a vegetable patch harvested, but the real, unfiltered challenges that nature throws our way.



So, whether you’re here for a dash of inspiration, a few gardening tips, or simply to witness the slow, rewarding journey of garden-making, you’re in good company. Dive into the stories, soak up the successes and setbacks, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to get your hands a little dirty, too.



For those who prefer their updates like their gardens—regular and flourishing—subscribe to my newsletter, and let’s grow together on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.