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Mr. Philip Rousham
Description
TitleMr. Phillip Rousham
SummarySelwyn gardener and nurserymanDescriptionPhillip Rousham was a talented gardener and nurseryman, who was employed by the Domain Board to tend the Waihora Park Domain in Motukārara for 47 years. He developed a beautiful garden in the Domain with mountain plants, natives, and waterlilies on a pond, in addition to rockeries and hothouses. He and his wife Martha Eliza (nee Hall) (1872-1946) left Selwyn for Napier in January 1924.
During his tenure he gathered together many rare plant specimens and propagated several varieties of flowers, notably daisies and lilies. The couple were presented with a set of stainless steel cutlery and a suitcase at their farewell event.
According to their great grandaughter, Marie Byrne, Phillip and Martha had three daughters and a son, Gertrude (White), Florence(Beresford), Mildred (Murphy) and Montague. All were named after Phillip’s siblings. On their retirement Phillip and Martha lived with or near their eldest daughter Gertrude and her husband George. Martha died in October 1937 and Phillip in July 1946.
Martha and Phillip are buried together at Bromley cemetery in Christchurch.
First NamePhillipMiddle NameHowardLast NameRoushamOccupationGardener, nurseryman and caretaker
SummarySelwyn gardener and nurserymanDescriptionPhillip Rousham was a talented gardener and nurseryman, who was employed by the Domain Board to tend the Waihora Park Domain in Motukārara for 47 years. He developed a beautiful garden in the Domain with mountain plants, natives, and waterlilies on a pond, in addition to rockeries and hothouses. He and his wife Martha Eliza (nee Hall) (1872-1946) left Selwyn for Napier in January 1924.During his tenure he gathered together many rare plant specimens and propagated several varieties of flowers, notably daisies and lilies. The couple were presented with a set of stainless steel cutlery and a suitcase at their farewell event.
According to their great grandaughter, Marie Byrne, Phillip and Martha had three daughters and a son, Gertrude (White), Florence(Beresford), Mildred (Murphy) and Montague. All were named after Phillip’s siblings. On their retirement Phillip and Martha lived with or near their eldest daughter Gertrude and her husband George. Martha died in October 1937 and Phillip in July 1946.
Martha and Phillip are buried together at Bromley cemetery in Christchurch.
First NamePhillipMiddle NameHowardLast NameRoushamOccupationGardener, nurseryman and caretakerOrganisation
Connections
OrganisationMotukārara Conservation NurseryImagePhillip Rousham tending his plantsMore InformationJanuary 1924 Newspaper report of the Rousham farewell event at MotukararaInformation about Martha Rousham at NZ History by Marie Byrne1937 Martha Rousham death noticeDecember 1912 Newspaper account of the gardens in Waihora Park
ImagePhillip Rousham tending his plantsMore InformationJanuary 1924 Newspaper report of the Rousham farewell event at MotukararaInformation about Martha Rousham at NZ History by Marie Byrne1937 Martha Rousham death noticeDecember 1912 Newspaper account of the gardens in Waihora ParkMr. Philip Rousham. Selwyn Stories, accessed 06/04/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6084
