Christchurch, New Zealand is Also Known as the Garden City

The Ellerslie Flower Show in Christchurch New Zealand

The Ellerslie International Flower Show was bought by the Christchurch City Council in November 2007. Prior to that date it had been run by the Auckland City Council. Staged in March of each year it attracts many thousands of visitors and is an ideal time to visit the city

The show contains a number of floral exhibits and gardens and competitors come from overseas to test their skills against others. The result is a magnificent display of floral splendour that is well worth a visit.

The Festival of Flowers in Christchurch New Zealand

This is an annual event that includes an amazing floral carpet display that runs down the centre aisle of Christchurch Cathedral. Held over February and March of each year, floral displays line the walls of the cathedral and visitors flock in to see them. The event is often accompanied by other events such as wearable art fashion shows and temporary gardens in Cathedral Square. Private garden tours are also on offer for the duration of the Festival of Flowers.

The Botanic Gardens in Christchurch New Zealand

The Botanic Gardens were founded in 1863 and now display one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. The gardens cover an area of 21 hectares and the Avon River flows gently through the midst of them. Features include a fern house, several conservatories, a small lake, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.

The Four Seasons in Christchurch New Zealand

Christchurch has distinct seasons and these are marked by natural displays of beauty as trees bloom and flowers appear. Here are some highlights to look out for:

• Spring is a beautiful season and city parks, road verges and embankments are planted with daffodils and snow drops. Many roads are lined with cherry trees and these produce masses of pink blossom in spring

• Summers are mild to warm and plants flourish in these conditions. Roses grow well in the city and many homes have roses lining their front fence or driveway. Rhododendrons are also popular and camellia bushes, azaleas and magnolias are common

• Fall or autumn as it is known in New Zealand is spectacular in Christchurch. Trees change through shades of gold, amber, scarlet and brown before dropping their leaves to carpet streets

• Winter is bare and barren but lawns remain green and there is a stark beauty that can still be appreciated. Christchurch has a snowfall every couple of years and this transforms the city into a crisp frozen world for a few days. Morning frosts are common and glistening trees and gardens sparkle with icy beauty

Christchurch lives up to its name of the garden City and is worth a visit no matter what time of the year. There is always something worth looking at in the floral and landscaping fields and garden enthusiasts will come away inspired and refreshed.