The Christchurch Botanic Gardens were started in 1863.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens were founded in 1863 and are located in the center of the city of Christchurch.
The gardens cover about 51 acres and are situated in a loop of the Avon River.
There is a spectacular attraction at the entrance, the Peacock Fountain (see below).
At the time of my visit in February 2013, the 'Festival of Flowers' was taking place in that botanic garden. Photos of that event are shown on this page.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens also display several works of art that blend appropriately with their surroundings.
Unfortunately the Muegano sculpture was severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake, and had to be removed eventually.
WORKS OF ART
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| Standing bronze leaf |
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| The Peacock Fountain |
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| Giant bronze rose |
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| Bronze oak leaves |
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| Muegano, by Hector Zamora |
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| Muegano description |
FLOWERS
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| Flower canopy over path |
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| Perennial borders |
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| Peach-colored blooms |
For beautiful painted roses and other flowers, please visit this website:
https://www.clemencestlaurent.com/
THE ROSES
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| Heritage rose garden |
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| Crepuscule, heirloom climber |
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| Hot chocolate floribunda roses |
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| Nancy Hayward high climbing rose |
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| Leander English rose |
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| Heritage roses |
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| Creamy heritage rose |
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| Perfect Moment hybrid tea rose |
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| Anna Olivier rose |
THE TREES
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| Lily of the valley blooms |
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| Lush and dense rimu needles |
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| Platanus leaves |
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| Oaks in full bloom |
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIVE SILVER TREE FERN
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| Emblem for athletes |
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| Silver tree fern leaf underside |
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| Underside with spores |
MORE PHOTOS
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| Daffodil woodland, empty in February |
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| Avon River |
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| Not in season in February |
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| Native plant garden |
SLIPPERY JACK (Suillus luteus) is an edible mushroom in the Boletus family. It grows in symbiosis with the roots of conifers. Mine grow around my Eastern Larch (Larix laricina). Every October I harvest some.
(WARNING: Do NOT venture out picking wild mushrooms if you are not familiar with them. Join some knowledgeable groups or a guide. Also get yourself a good book with COLOR PHOTOS.
DO NOT EAT WILD MUSHROOMS RAW - although the slippery jacks I collect are free of worms I'm NOT taking chances - I cook them.
Also if you see traces of worm 'tunnels' in a wild mushroom, throw it away.)
