WITT Organics 2024
The first scholarship recipients from The Ostlers Gardens Charitable Trust are now completing the final stages of their course at WITT. Siobhan Hemmingway and Jordan
Learn all about the history of Ostler’s Gardens and the Charitable Trust which was formed by the late Maureen Ostler in 2007.
See a visual history of Ostler's Gardens through a selection of photos. The gardens were set on an 8 hectare farmlet in Stratford, Taranaki.
We grant scholarships to support education in the horticultural field. Learn more about the criteria and application process.
The Ostler’s Gardens Charitable Trust was formed by the late Maureen Ostler in 2007 in the hope that the gardens could continue after her death for the public to enjoy. Following Maureen’s passing in 2018, a full review was undertaken by the trustees in conjunction with gardening consultants from the Taranaki Regional Council and the Garden Festival Trust. The financial model of a self-contained operation had changed with lower returns on Investments and the farming operations on the property. In addition a large capital amount would’ve been required to bring the gardens up to a standard that would meet health and safety requirements.
One of the Trust’s objectives was to educate people in the horticultural field so the trustees made the decision this would be an area to be focused on. Sale of the property would create a sizeable Capital Fund to support people achieving their goals.
Funds could also be made available for horticultural projects that enhance the Stratford District.
People interested in supporting the trust, either financially or with gardening expertise, are invited to contact the Trustees.
The first scholarship recipients from The Ostlers Gardens Charitable Trust are now completing the final stages of their course at WITT. Siobhan Hemmingway and Jordan
WITT/Te Pukenga have a number of great horticultural courses starting mid-year.
Maureen Ostler’s garden on the outskirts of Strat- ford is a great example of what can be done if one pays attention to the natural
Supporting education in the horticultural field.