Ellerslie 2010 Show build-up gets into full swing

15 February 2010

Ellerslie 2010 Show build-up gets into full swing

Build-up to the 2010 Ellerslie International Flower Show got into full swing today (15 February) with the designers of the more than 30 display gardens moving on site this morning to begin work building their gardens.

The designers have three weeks to complete their gardens for judging which gets underway at noon on Monday 8 March.

Ellerslie International Flower Show Managing Director Dave Mee says up to 200 people will be on site during the next week with numbers building to about 1000 in the days leading up to the opening of the 15th Ellerslie International Flower Show to the public on Wednesday 10 March

“English and multi award-winning Chelsea Flower Show designer Chris Beardshaw arrives in Christchurch this weekend to begin work on his garden which is the largest exhibition garden in the history of the Show.

“His is one of more than 100 horticultural exhibits at this year’s event. The 12 metre by 64 metre An Englishman’s Retreat will be built by a team of up to 15 on the shore of Victoria Lake.”

Mr Mee says award-winning Japanese designer Koji Ninomiya, who will create Ellerslie’s first Japanese garden, will arrive on site late next week to begin building his garden, which fuses a traditional dry Zen garden with contemporary influences.

Work is progressing to schedule on installing the infrastructure for the Show, including raising the five large marquees.

“Ellerslie 2010 will have the largest marquee seen in the South Island for the Floral Art and Hort Galore exhibits, providing multiple entrances and exits to help reduce queues.

“This is just one of the measures in place to help reduce the queues and offer visitors a better experience in 2010. There are also longer opening hours, a new traffic management plan, improved signage, more food and beverage outlets and a greater number of relaxation areas.”

Ellerslie International Flower Show is New Zealand’s premier week-long Garden Party in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park from 10 to 14 March 2010. The Show celebrates Christchurch’s Garden City heritage and the best of national and international garden design. Check out the website for further information www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz
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