When we care for the ground beneath our feet, everything above it has the opportunity to flourish.
At Good Ground, we believe a garden is more than an outdoor space, it's a living, breathing ecosystem that has the power to enrich both people and nature.
Our approach is guided by a deep respect for horticulture and the belief that every garden, no matter its size, can contribute to something greater.
Our Ethos
Our Values
Our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide how we work with nature, and how we serve our clients:
Biodiversity
We believe every garden can play a role in supporting birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. Through thoughtful plant selection, habitat creation and healthy ecosystems, we work to increase biodiversity and help nature flourish.
Climate Responsibility
We're committed to reducing our environmental impact by using battery-powered tools, transitioning to electric vehicles, and building healthier soils that store carbon. Every decision considers both today's garden and tomorrow's environment.
Organic Gardening
We follow organic gardening principles wherever practical, avoiding synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. Instead, we focus on healthy soils, resilient plants and natural systems that reduce the need for chemical intervention.
Knowledge
Every recommendation is grounded in horticultural knowledge, observation and continual learning. We believe informed decisions create healthier gardens and better long-term outcomes.
Craftsmanship
From precise pruning to careful planting, we take pride in our work. Thoughtful craftsmanship ensures every garden receives the care, attention and respect it deserves.
Transparency
Good Ground Horticulture aims to provide not only a high standard of work, but full transparency with what our clients are paying. That’s why we created our garden visit packages and discounted membership plans.
Meet the Team:
Founder and Head Gardener
Jack co-founded Good Ground to help people and businesses create healthier, more resilient gardens through expert horticulture and thoughtful stewardship. Growing up on an organic vineyard and farm in Gisborne, and with a Plant Pathologist for a Dad and a world-renowned Wine and Cider maker for a Mum, Jack has deep roots connected with horticulture. With professional gardening and landscaping experience in both New Zealand and the UK, he combines practical knowledge with a deep appreciation for biodiversity, healthy soils, and the natural rhythms of the seasons. His philosophy is simple: every garden has the potential to flourish, and every visit should leave it healthier than it was before.
Jack Smith
Founder
With experience in horticulture and agriculture project management and policy, Jess passionately believes in kaitiakitanga, caring for our natural world by being a guardian and protecting our environment as much as we can. You’ll find her with new ideas on how to build Good Ground with a creative drive. Her warm, organised approach and eye for detail ensure every client receives the same high standard of care that defines Good Ground.
Jess Smith
Gardening Assistant (in training)
Our little cheerleader at home, Bonney is a lover of all things outdoors, sticks, swimming and the beach. Although she keeps her digging to the sand, she’s a curious girl when it comes to critters in the garden and smelling all the smells.