150 Years of Gardening Celebrated

150 Years of Gardening Celebrated

The Canterbury Horticultural Society will be celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout 2011. The society’s legacy is built upon generations of garden enthusiasts and the many beautiful gardens across the region that gives Christchurch and Canterbury its unique identity.

When the early settlers first arrived in Christchurch they were greeted by a wilderness of swampy tussocks and remnants of native bush. Their hard work, graft and strong vision for the region eventuated into The Garden City, for which we as a region have been truly blessed.

Founded in 1861, the Canterbury Horticultural Society is one of the oldest gardening groups in New Zealand . It was a considerable influence on the development of Christchurch as the Garden City of New Zealand and has always been a horticultural innovator and supporter, sponsoring numerous specialist groups including the first garden clubs in 1938.

In its upcoming 150th year, the Canterbury Horticultural Society has a major role to play. A number of events to commemorate this milestone include a Commemorative Luncheon, CHS Ellerslie Display Garden and Golf Tournament. The calendar for 2011 has many other events for garden lovers to enjoy.

Ross Beaumont, President of Canterbury Horticultural Society said of the anniversary, “I am reminded of the huge contribution generations of gardeners have made to the Society. Their legacy lies not only in the many beautiful gardens of Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region but also in their passion for the natural world in all of its many guises.

"The horticultural history of this region is rich with characters with courage and passion. The baton has been passed and the present generation must now face the challenges with equal dedication in the immeasurable joy of tending the garden for its beauty, its solace, its creativity and its abundance.

"In this our 150th year the Canterbury Horticultural Society has found from within the ranks of its volunteers, skilled people who are prepared to come forward to share their skills, to give support to the programmes already in place and to drive our shared passion for gardening forward. These are the people that will build the society and carry it through the next 150 years”

Freda Hunter, Chairperson of the 150th Committee added: "We're looking forward to a very exciting year with lots of events. Many will be open to the public so they can join in the fun and others for our members. We look forward to catching up with all our horticultural friends."

Canterbury Horticultural Society is New Zealand ’s largest garden club whose membership extends throughout New Zealand and beyond. Its comprehensive programme includes garden awards, a National Garden Register of open gardens to visit, education courses, touring programmes and advice to gardeners. The society currently has several thousand members across New Zealand .

Coming Events:
Decorated Worcester Street Bridge 11 February-6 March
Ellerslie Flower Show 9-13 March
Ellerslie Garden Tours 9-13 March
National Chrysanthemum Show 30 April & 1 May
Golf Tournament 13 May
Winter Celebration Luncheon 20 July
National Daffodil Show 24-25 September
Victorian Tea Party 12 October
All About Gardening Christmas Party 6&7 December

ENDS

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