Show Stopper

Plenty to look forward to at 2011 Ellerslie International Flower Show

It definitely feels like spring is finally in the air and that means that
summer and Ellerslie are now only months away!

Despite the Canterbury earthquake, planning is on track for the
2011 Show and we’re pleased with the number of exhibitors and
sponsors who have already signed up.

The last few months have been a difficult time for Christchurch
people and the Show is a great opportunity for this city to
celebrate what a fantastic place we live in. It’s also a good chance
to show that our reputation as a Garden City is still well and truly
deserved.

Tickets are now on sale for next year’s Show and have been kept
at the same level as this year. Early Bird Any Day adult tickets are
$28 each until 14 February while tickets bought after this date will
cost $40. Children’s Early Bird tickets will cost $4 each while
tickets bought after 14 February will cost $5 each.

Tickets are available on the Ellerslie website at www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz and are also great gifts for families
or friends.

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, we’ve had a fantastic
response from exhibitors keen to be part of next year’s Ellerslie.
Exhibition Manager Kate Hillier has now signed up a total of 45
gardens and is predicting that competition is set to be strong
again in 2011.

A designer we’re expecting big things from again next year is Ben
Hoyle, whose garden Pure Indulgence will feature in the Starlight
Marquee. Ben has recently returned from representing New
Zealand at the first Gardening World Cup in Japan where he
competed against nine of the world’s top international landscape
artists. Ben won a gold medal and the Peace Award, which is
unique to the World Cup, for his garden A Moment in Time.

For the first time in the Emerging Designs – Student Designer of
the Year category, visitors to the 2011 Show can expect to see
gardens designed by students who are not training to be
landscape architects because a large number of entrants are
currently studying at the Design and Arts College in Christchurch.

Landscape architecture students from Australia and the United
Kingdom have also signed up to exhibit in this category, which is
testament to Ellerslie’s reputation for giving young designers
some fantastic exposure.

At next year’s Ellerslie, they’ll be asked to design a small, low
maintenance courtyard garden where a DINKY (Double Income,
No Kids Yet) couple can relax after a long day at work with a
glass of wine. I’m sure we can expect some fierce competition.

Almost two months after the devastating earthquake, Christchurch
people and those planning to visit the city for an Ellerslie
experience have plenty to look forward to early next year.

Keep an eye on your inbox for more updates.

Regards
BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH