Ellerslie International Flower Show 2006
Another golden day for the Auckland Botanic Gardens
15 November 2006

The Auckland Botanic Gardens team have again won gold at the Ellerslie International Flower Show and have also been awarded the Landscape Industry Association Award for Professional Excellence.

‘The Garden of Native Plant Ideas’ was designed and constructed entirely by Auckland Botanic Gardens staff and has been designed to link with the permanent collection in the Gardens.

The exhibit team, lead by Roger Price and Wayne Dymond, have developed the plans and coordinated the construction of the garden over the last seven months.

“We have chosen plants that thrive in our region, that offer great contrasts in colour and texture, and are popular home garden choices,” says Roger Price.

“We have created a garden conducive to relaxation, complete with a glass of wine and a good book!” he says.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens was this year invited to exhibit in the new Visique Avenue of Gold – a tribute to past gold award winners. Two exhibits in the Visique Avenue of Gold won gold awards.

Convenor of Judges Bob Sweet commented on the design trends and the distinct New Zealand feel of this year’s exhibit.

“Both gardens showed great restraint in choice of plants and both have a distinctly New Zealand feel, with special and unique water features. Also evident in The Garden of Native Plant Ideas was a rustic, corten steel look in their water feature sculpture and wheelbarrow-seat; this is a great example of this design trend,” said Mr Sweet.

The Landscape Industry Association of New Zealand (LIANZ) only presented awards to two exhibitors at this year's show.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Cr Sandra Coney says the ARC is proud to host the Ellerslie International Flower Show at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

“Each year sees more visitors to the Gardens and more events being held at the Gardens – and the team still finds time to create a splendid award-winning exhibit,” she says.

Previous Auckland Botanic Gardens successes include the Supreme Award for Horticultural Excellence and a gold award for ‘A Menu for Life’ in 2005 and gold in 2004 for ‘The Mythological Maze of Maui’.

For further information on ‘The Garden of Native Plant Ideas’ check out Roger Price’s garden diary on the Auckland Botanic Gardens website www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz.

ENDS

Ellerslie International Flower Show
15-19 November 2006
Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

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