Newsletter November 2009

100 days to go until the gates open for next year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show

The countdown is well underway for next year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show; there are now only 100 days until the gates open for the 2010 Show. I can guarantee visitors will again be wowed by the high-quality, world-class horticultural exhibits and in particular the exhibition gardens. I continue to be blown-away with the calibre of our designers, their creativity and their innovative designs which celebrate excellence in garden design. I’m sure visitors to next year’s Show will also be impressed, so I encourage everyone to book their flights and accommodation now as Ellerslie 2010 is shaping up to be even better.

Now is also the perfect time to get your Show tickets and why not treat yourself, family and/or friends this Christmas with tickets to the glamorous Ellerslie Premier Garden Party. This is your opportunity to step out on the red carpet and experience the glitz and glamour of the season’s hottest social event.  You will walk the red carpet, toast the success of Ellerslie with a glass or two of bubbles and be part of the glamorous awards ceremony which celebrates the opening of the 2010 Ellerslie International Flower Show.

This is New Zealand’s most prestigious garden party and you are invited to be part of the event, to be among the first to see next year’s show-stopping exhibition gardens – without the crowds – and mix and mingle with the award-winning national and international garden designers while enjoying canapés and light entertainment. The Premier Garden Party is three hours of flowers, fashion and fun. Tickets are limited so book today at www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

As part of your Ellerslie experience, I would also encourage you to take time to visit a selection of Christchurch and Canterbury’s award-winning and nationally significant gardens – one of the reasons why this city is known internationally as the Garden City. Choose from half-day city tours to full-day country excursions where you get to experience some of New Zealand’s best hospitality while being inspired by the creativity and sheer beauty of these stunning gardens.

Canterbury has a rich history, much of which can be seen in the region’s legacy of heritage gardens. During Ellerslie, everything from historic homesteads and cottages to modern rural retreats, contemporary hideaways and formal native country gardens will be on show. Don’t forget to book – 0800 TICKETEK – as numbers
are limited. There is so much to do and see you may need to stay another day.

This month’s visit by our international garden designer, Chris Beardshaw from England, was well received by the horticultural community who turned out in good numbers for his talk on A Quintessential English Garden. A multi award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden designer Chris Beardshaw will design and build what will be the largest ever exhibition garden at Ellerslie. The garden will be 12 metres wide by 64 metres long and will link with Victoria Lake. It is guaranteed to be a real show-stopper with almost 10,000 plants, including 4500 annuals and 3000 herbaceous plants. With thousands of flowers, loads of colour and plenty of fragrance, this magnificent English garden will be a feast for all the senses – and one not to be missed next year.

Regards

BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH