Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, were founded in 1863[1] when an English oak was planted to commemorate the solemnisation of the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Curator's House

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Peacock Fountain at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
TypeBotanic gardens
LocationChristchurch
Coordinates43.53°S 172.62°E / -43.53; 172.62
Area21 hectares (52 acres)
Created1863 (1863)
Operated byChristchurch City Council
OpenAll year
WebsiteOfficial website

The Gardens sprawl over an area of 21 hectares[2] and lie adjacent to the loop of the Avon River next to Hagley Park. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens have a variety of collection of exotic and local plants of New Zealand. Some of the many attractions of these beautiful Gardens include:

  • The Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre,[3] which opened in April 2014, has a café, gift shop and an interactive permanent exhibition featuring the history of plants and gardening in Canterbury, New Zealand.
  • The Herb Garden, located by the Curator's House, (started in 1986) has several plants of culinary and medicinal value (see Herbalism).
  • The Central Rose Garden has more than 250 varieties of modern cultivar roses.
  • The Heritage Rose Garden has a selection of rambling heritage roses that delight in the summer months.
  • Collections of plants from all around the world including Asia, North America, Europe, South America and South Africa.
  • The conservatory complex which includes Cuningham House, a large Victorian glasshouse containing a tropical collection, Townend House with its flowering plant displays, Garrick House with a cacti collection and the adjoining Gilpin House, with an orchid/carnivorous plant collection.
Cumingham House conservatory
Inside the Visitor Centre
  • The Fernery has an array of native New Zealand ferns.
  • A variety of bird watching opportunities, with many woodpigeons being present and a cormorant colony in action during the spring
  • The Rock Garden contains some plants that remain in flower throughout the year.
  • The Erica Garden has several Ericas and Callunas, providing flowers and foliage year round.
  • A portion of the Gardens has several species of Rhododendron and hybrids with several associated plants of Hostas, Helleborus and Liliums.
  • The Water Garden has lilies and irises and is surrounded by many mature trees and shrubs.
  • A mature native plant section with a wide range of New Zealand plants.

References
  1. "Christchurch Botanic Gardens : Christchurch City Council". Ccc.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 19 October 2009. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  2. "Parks & Recreation | Find:Chch". Ccc.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)


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