FRIDAY OCTOBER 14 2011
up the flowers, bird life and voluptuous flowering Rhododendrons and Magnolias, I realised I was running late for my next appointment and had to leave in a hurry. Escapism at its best and what’s more it didn’t cost a thing! The time just flew by and boy did I feel good, enriched and reinvigorated and exceptionally grateful for having such a place of solace to escape to.It’s not just the flowers that appealed to me, it was the carpets of petals that covered the grass, Kowhai, Magnolia and mats of blossom certainly add to the charm of the gardens. I spoke to numerous visitors, even a few South African rugby fans who were just soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a change of pace. They asked: “Is this park always so colourful and green?” Was it planted just for the Rugby World Cup?”. To their first question I answered with a confident and easy ‘yes’. I answered the second one with a laugh and wished them a good day and said ‘of course it’s just for you!”, as little did they know their team was about to lose to Australia on Sunday. Mona Vale is also open, with a wide array of enticing flowering plants and ducklings roaming the grounds ready to welcome you with open wings. It’s vital that Christchurch retains its world class parks, botanical gardens and landmarks that cement it as the horticultural hub of the country. The city needs to maintain its heritage plantings, collections and diversity and develop new areas that match the wants and needs of people today and in the future. Being part of the CERA community forum is my
MAINLAND PRESS
opportunity to put forward the requirements and needs of community groups, the nursery and landscape industries and environmental organisations that have a connection to gardening in any way shape or form. I believe no one planting theme should dominate, but a blend, chosen to showcase the vibrancy of a region that continues to grow. Our city is all about us, the people who eat, work, sleep and live here. Let our gardens, schools, parks and walkways reflect the diversity of plants, gardens and designs to create a harmonious and world class Garden City.
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If you have a gardening question, idea or something you want to share send an email to rachelvogan@gmail.com. (or I will ask the audience - if I don’t know the answer I will ask someone who does). Each week we can publish a question, a top crop or maybe even a flop crop. www.thehappygardener.co.nz
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Chris Chr Chri C Ch hri h hrri ris Sm Smith Smith mith ittth h
A VERY DESIRABLE RELEASE STAGE 4 OPEN.
Over 40 beautifully located new sections now available. Waitikiri is a subdivision of quality that has a proven track record of land stability. Waitikiri is the perfect building platform. Situated next to a world class golf course and accessible to Bottle Lake forest and bike tracks. Many of the stage 4 sites back onto the golf course, while others benefit from a surrounding reserve and green corridor. Great aspects from all sites.
Call Delma at Smith Developments Ltd 03 365 0250 or 029 365 0250 www.waitikiri.co.nz
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Entry from Prestons Rd & Waitikiri Drive Information kiosk on Bluestone Drive
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Start planning today and build your dream home at Waitikiri.