The Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Collections

Daffodil Woodland

The Daffodil Woodland extends over 2 hectares on the south west side of the Avon River in Hagley Park.

This Woodland was once inhabited by a menagerie which included silk worms, deer, ferrets, kangaroos, angora and cashmere goats, opossums monkeys, wallabies, llamas, a lemur, a tortoise, a Californian bear and an emu called Jack. This occurred between 1864 and 1930 when the Canterbury Horticultural and Acclimatisation Society leased 1.5 hectares of ground from the Domains Board. During this lease the public were able to view unusual birds, animals and fish bred for liberation throughout Canterbury or imported for public enjoyment. To many people, this popular area became known as 'The Zoo'.

In 1933 the Curator, James McPherson initiated the planting of daffodils among the established woodland trees of oak and ash trees, to the extent that in the first year 16,000 bulbs were planted as a result of public donation. By 1943, 500,000 bulbs had been planted and these provide the basis of what is today one of the most popular springtime attractions in New Zealand.