With such a huge and unique range of items for gardens, outdoor spaces and everything in between, it is easy to see why California Home & Garden is Wellingtons most trusted garden centre. Our family centric business has successfully adapted over the years to expand and thrive to deliver a shopping experience like no other.

MIRAMAR BRANCH (1974 - 2016)

Our original branch in Miramar was opened by our founder, Keith Lowe in 1974. The property was formerly used as a site for British Imperial Oil and featured a large silo which became an attraction for the store. The site was over 9000 square meters, making it one of the biggest garden centres in the country. This space was quickly filled with a huge range of plants, pots, statues, water features and much more.

Keith is well known for his work in the Wellington bonsai community and has always had a huge passion for plants. He opened his first fruit and vegetable store on Lambton Quay over 60 years ago and in 1958 he began selling plants and seeds. During that time, most shops in Wellington would only open on weekdays so this gave Keith the idea of opening our first California Home & Garden Centre to trade 7 days a week.

The name “California” came from the popularity associated with America throughout New Zealand after the Second World War. It reminds us of the warm and sunny state of California

The Miramar branch was an instant hit amongst Wellingtonians and continued to innovate throughout its lifespan with the addition of a cafe and a points based loyalty system each of which helped pioneer the contemporary “garden centre”. In 1997, the store won the Wellington Top Shop Award.

In 2016, the branch closed after the Miramar property was sold to Sir Peter Jackson.

 LOWER HUTT BRANCH (1995 - PRESENT)

Our second branch located in Lower Hutt opened in 1995 after the success of the Miramar store. The site was previously an old hydroponic tomato nursery with a huge glass roof.

 FLIGHT COFFEE

We are proud to serve Flight Coffee in our Glasshouse Cafe