New Zealand Gardens The New Zealand Garden was established at its present location between 1910 and 1927 by Botanic Gardens Curator James Young. Over several decades these gardens evolved into a fine collection of New Zealand species, interwoven and overlaid with new extensions. The gardens provide a wonderful opportunity for getting lost under a canopy of mature trees such as
kahikatea and
beech. • New Zealand Icon Garden A short looped trail featuring some of New Zealand's most iconic and loved native plants. The small grove allows visitors to catch a glimpse of wild New Zealand and see mature trees and plants including the legendary silver fern,
harakeke,
rimu and
kōtukutuku.
Herbaceous Border Laid in 1926, the gardens’ border is in two parts, divided by an ornamental sundial presented by Canterbury Superintendent
William Rolleston in 1873. The sandy soils at the eastern end are perfect for plants from hot dry climates and is shaded from wind by the
Robert McDougall Art Gallery. Colourful European and North American plants including
phlox,
aster and
geranium dominate the moist western end. In the shadiest areas,
hostas are a feature.
Central Rose Garden When the first rose garden was established here in 1909, it was considered the largest and finest in Australasia, with its rectangular rosarium having 132 beds and almost 2500 rose bushes. The rose garden was redeveloped in the mid-1930s, with four paths converging at a mirror pool in the middle of a circular design. Twenty years later a memorial sundial replaced the pool. Now, 104 beds support a profusion of climbing, standard and
Hybrid Tea modern garden roses.
Rock garden The Rock Garden contains some plants that remain in flower throughout the year. The Rock Garden's terraced south-facing slopes are ideal for growing many alpine plants and most of the plants here are exotic (the native subalpine species are part of the New Zealand collection). On the other side of the path, the Heather Garden faces the sunny north with many species of
heath and
heather growing here. In 1917, when the original rock garden was developed, gardeners planted an avenue of
limes. The path was named Beswick's Walk after a former mayor of Christchurch,
Harry Beswick.
Cockayne Memorial Garden In 1938, the New Zealand Garden was extended to allow space for alpine plants,
Hebe and
Leptospermum beds. The new addition was created as a memorial to
Dr Leonard Cockayne (1855–1934) in honour of his comprehensive contribution to New Zealand's botany, horticulture, ecology and conservation. In the 1960s this garden was completely redesigned and replanted, such as
kōwhai,
horoeka, and
tōtara.
Azalea and Magnolia Garden Under canopies of
mature oaks and
silver birch trees, the
azalea flower for about a month from mid-October. Deciduous
rhododendron mollis are the main species present with their spring show being enhanced by the sculptured flowers of the magnolias, in bloom slightly earlier, and the cone-shaped flowers of the
horse chestnut trees.
Heritage Rose garden This collection began in 1952 and was remodelled in 1999. The garden includes rose species, hybrids and varieties commonly cultivated in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1979, the
World Federation of Rose Societies adopted a simple classification for roses and Heritage roses are defined as those established before 1867.
Temperate Asian Collection Contains a temperate Asian collection of trees and shrubs, most of them from China, Japan and the Himalayas.
Water garden Gravel and sand were removed from this area by the cartload in the early 1900s and used to construct paths around the growing city. The pits left behind were developed into a cluster of ponds. The ponds’ silty mud floors are perfect for growing water lilies (
Nymphaea) and are seldom cleaned or disturbed. Many of the water garden plants are herbaceous perennials that lie down in winter, such as the bright blue
Siberian iris and the
marsh marigold. West of the main pond is also a
Yucca collection. ==Woodlands==