The Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Information Sheets

Spring flowering splendour

As the days grow longer and warmer the Gardens begin to stir from their winter slumber. Deep within the Rock Garden the first crocus is cautiously unfurling, only too aware that the frost and rain of yesterday could return tomorrow.

Within days other plants will follow suit, almost as if they have been patiently waiting for the intrepid crocus to begin the performance. Soon large drifts of crocus buds open to reveal an exquisite mosaic of yellow, gold, bronze, mauve and blue.

Plants growing contentedly in the sheltered environment of the Rock Garden compete for the best display, anemone, daffodil, primrose and saxifrage rush to sit proudly on delicate stems. This is their moment and they make the most of it, knowing that before long they too will be eclipsed by the grander displays of camellia, magnolia and rhododendron.

Close by on the Cherry Mound the warmer temperatures urge each naked branch into blossom. Assuredly one by one the trees respond until eventually there is a virtual stampede to be next into flower.

Tucked away on the southern fringe of the Gardens is the Daffodil Woodland. Here the caution of early spring is forgotten and all around one can feel a tremendous surge of growth as the re-born woodland clothes itself ready for another year. The entire area is carpeted almost knee high with bluebell, daffodil, grape hyacinth and snowflake. From a distance it seems a hazy yellow cloud is hovering above the woodland floor.

On the edge of the woodland, growing in scattered groups along the stream bank is the primrose. Woken from hibernation and already in full flower it is soon joined by bergenia, iris, lungwort and peony.

On the far side of the Gardens, almost without warning one is confronted by spectacular banks of fragrant deciduous azaleas. Flowers of flame red, orange, apricot, lemon, cream and white are clustered together in a giant collage depicting once again the final celebration of spring.

If then, on that September morning you feel a rush of excitement when discovering the first crocus of spring, we have achieved our objective, to pass on to you a little of the awakening splendour of the Gardens.