The days are shortening and cooling in NZ as summer draws to an end. There has been plenty of rain and a summer drought avoided in many areas.
In Christchurch The Ellerslie International Flower Show is underway. We went along for a sneak preview of the show and it is well worth visiting, with the exhibition gardens and other exhibits of a very high standard.
Ellerslie at Christchuch is right up there with Chelsea, Melbourne, and others. We will put up a review of the show shortly, and a few highlight photos appear below.
The Shows Supreme Award was made to Bush Telly, a rustic shed where TV interviews will be recorded on various nature topics. These interviews will later be broadcast on YouTube and Google. This imaginative approach to gardening clearly captured the judges interest.
Bush Telly - Supreme Award at Ellerslie 2009
Four exhibition gardens were awarded Gold. It was pleasing to see a number of young local designers stepping up to compete and win awards. Also there were some high quality entries by local garden clubs.
Ben Hoyle's 'On The Dark Side Of The Moon' - Gold Award
A feature exhibit from Singapore 'Seeking Shangri-La', designed by 28 year old Peter Cheok creates an undersea city beneath a retreating glacier. Constructed using a range of plants, including succulents and with dramatic lighting, the exhibit highlights the effects of global warming.
'Seeking Shangri-La' by Peter Cheok
There are many great things to see at Ellerslie, and don't forget the shopping opportunities!
Ellerslie International Flower Show is on at Hagley Park, Christchurch, 11-15 March 2009. Tickets and more information are available at www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz
Gardening Events
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is on from 1st to 5th April 2009. Melbourne is ranked in the top five flower shows in the world and is presented by Mighty Helpful Mitre 10.
The world renowned flower and garden Show is entering its 14th year and is now regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Featuring the best landcsape and floral talent that Australia has to offer along side an extensive array of garden retail products, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is a celebration of Australian lifestyle and our great outdoors.
Staged within the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding south Carlton Gardens in Carlton, this prestigious Show is well established in the psyche of Australians as a "must see" event.
Practical Gardening Tomato Growing
Have you noticed how tomato growing can become competitive? Families and friends compete for the earliest, the biggest, the healthiest. Try this link
Summer is a time when the fragrant herbs really come into their own. Wonderful plants in dry and droughty places, herbs will add that special something to any garden. When it comes to great foliage herbs really do have it all - texture, colour and form all add interest and variety to your planting.
Here deep purple sage leaves contrast with the magnificent bold foliage of silvery-grey cardoons and complements the flowers of thyme. Low care - simply plant new herbs and water in well, mulch and enjoy.
Maintenance involves only trimming back after flowering and before new growth starts in the spring. And you can use all of these herbs fresh in the stuffing for that Christmas turkey or to add flavour to the barbeque.
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is on from 1st to 5th April 2009. Melbourne is ranked in the top five flower shows in the world and is presented by Mighty Helpful Mitre 10.
Have you noticed how tomato growing can become competitive? Families and friends compete for the earliest, the biggest, the healthiest. 