I visited Christchurch Botanic Gardens at the end of last October, so spring in New Zealand.
Christchurch itself seemed rather surreal. The February 2011 earthquake destroyed much of the city. Many buildings are still standing but dangerous with access forbidden, some blocks are just piles of rubble, but most blocks have been cleared, and are flattened empty sites. Some damaged buildings (mainly buildings of historical interest) are propped up with scaffolding. The Restart shopping area consists of shipping containers converted into shops and even a bank.
The Botanic Garden is a modest size, pleasant to walk around, though not a vast amount to see.
An impressive copper beech
Clouds threatening but the rain held off
Rhododendrons in flower
Good rockery area
Christchurch and Wellington Botanic Gardens
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Christchurch and Wellington Botanic Gardens
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
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Sheffield Branch
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- MikeT
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Re: Christchurch and Wellington Botanic Gardens
There were some glasshouses. This one's for assorted flowers, you may spot the Kalanchoes (Flaming Katy's) on the right.
Peperomias among ferns in the shaded area
There is a cactus area, on one side plants seem to be planted in the ground
On the other side of the path, the plants are in pots sunk into sand, well protected behind glass Most of the labels were correct, though some errors.
This Opuntia had welcomed spring and started into growth
Peperomias among ferns in the shaded area
There is a cactus area, on one side plants seem to be planted in the ground
On the other side of the path, the plants are in pots sunk into sand, well protected behind glass Most of the labels were correct, though some errors.
This Opuntia had welcomed spring and started into growth
Last edited by MikeT on Mon Dec 21, 2015 8:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
- MikeT
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Re: Christchurch and Wellington Botanic Gardens
Touring New Zealand, we arrived at Wellington on 11 November, so spring well under way. Problems finding a carpark that the Campervan could fit into led to driving round and round, until finding a parking area at the top entrance to the Wellington Botanic Garden. The garden is on a slope, and can be accessed via a funicular railway from the city centre near sea level (if you can find anywhere to park down there...)
The garden makes good use of the hillside site
Not too hilly to find a place for a lake
and lots of foliage colour...
..and flowers
The garden makes good use of the hillside site
Not too hilly to find a place for a lake
and lots of foliage colour...
..and flowers
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
- MikeT
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Re: Christchurch and Wellington Botanic Gardens
As you might guess, this was the main area of interest
There was a reasonable sized outdoor planting. Most plants were healthy, and a fair proportion named. lots of polyphylla
Plenty of foliage colour, Senecio & Aeonium
Some areas looked to be recently planted, and a bit bare
Other parts well established though not overgrown
I rather liked this Crassula ovata, not a variegate I've seen before
There was a reasonable sized outdoor planting. Most plants were healthy, and a fair proportion named. lots of polyphylla
Plenty of foliage colour, Senecio & Aeonium
Some areas looked to be recently planted, and a bit bare
Other parts well established though not overgrown
I rather liked this Crassula ovata, not a variegate I've seen before
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
- MikeT
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Re: Christchurch and Wellington Botanic Gardens
This is labelled Crassula multicarva. Looks like the plant seen in some gardens in Melbourne. The photographer fails to do it justice, quite pretty.
Nice to have the climate to use Echeverias like these as bedding
Some Agave potatorum enjoying a well drained spot
Away from the cactus & succulent garden, Kalanchoe pumila decorating a hanging basket
Then it was back up the hill to the car park, and a coffee in the cafe before leaving
Well worth a visit if you're in Wellington, even if you're not having trouble parking
Nice to have the climate to use Echeverias like these as bedding
Some Agave potatorum enjoying a well drained spot
Away from the cactus & succulent garden, Kalanchoe pumila decorating a hanging basket
Then it was back up the hill to the car park, and a coffee in the cafe before leaving
Well worth a visit if you're in Wellington, even if you're not having trouble parking
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
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