Many visitors to the Bason will have met Nicole Smith, usually in the Homestead Garden or Conservatory area. She mainly works alongside Megan and Veronica. Comments are often made about her willingness to help, and depth of knowledge on plant-related matters.
Nicole is an employee of Fulton Hogan, which is contracted to maintain the Gardens for the Whanganui District Council. She currently lives at Mangamahu, and commutes each day; however, she is planning to eventually move to a property that she and her partner own in Kaitoke. Currently they are clearing it of gorse and planting manuka and other trees.
Originally from Henderson, Nicole has grown plants all her life. She was given her first orchid plant (an Australian Dendrobium kingianum) by her Grandfather when she was 10 years old and has grown them ever since. She attended orchid shows and dealt with specialist growers.
Before coming to Whanganui, Nicole lived in Kaukapakapa, north of Auckland. She worked in a Cymbidium orchid-growing operation owned by Bruce and Caroline Cowan. Nicole was involved with all aspects of the business, from potting and maintaining the plants to harvesting, packing and despatching the flowers for export.
As a result, it is no surprise that Nicole’s specialist role at the Gardens is looking after the orchid collection. She is pleased to have a new electronic monitoring system installed in the Winston and Agnes Larsen Orchid House. The biggest frustration is ongoing theft. Visitors are reminded that if they see theft or vandalism, they should note the number plate of the vehicle and ring the Police. However, replacement plants are purchased by WDC, and there have been generous donations over the years, including by Ken Elms (Tudor Orchids) and the estate of the late Margaret Spittal. Older plants can also sometimes be divided.
Nicole has also been photographing and developing a database of the orchid collection. This indicates the plants that fail to flower and may need further attention.
Nicole, along with the other gardeners, is usually too busy to spend much time talking; however is happy to answer questions or explain the gardens to visiting groups.