When & Where

The Kiosk
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
(Just over the footbridge - Armagh Street carpark).

The first Tuesday & Wednesday of the Month
6pm - 8pm Tuesday, 1-3pm Wednesday

Tea, coffee and biscuits afternoon
Nibbles and a Glass of Wine evening

Free for Members ($10 Non-Members)
Keep an eye on our website and Facebook for updates.

We love to hear from our gardeners, especially any niggling problems, be they edible or ornamental!
Bring questions to Garden Life, post them on HortTalk or email us at office@chsgardens.co.nz

 

Don't forget you can find a copy of the Monthly Tips & Tasks here

Garden Life October

Tuesday 7th 6pm & Wednesday 8th 1pm

Paul Hooper – Intelligro

Paul Hooper is the Research and Development Technical Advisor at Intelligro, where he shares his expertise with both customers and staff. With a lifelong passion for horticulture, Paul retrained at Lincoln University in 2014 and has since worked across nurseries in Selwyn and Christchurch. For the past four years, he has been at Intelligro, helping gardeners and professionals get the most from their soils and growing media.

In his talk, Paul will cover:

  • What certified organic compost means in New Zealand
  • The benefits of organic compost – and why not all composts are equal
  • The circular economy and its impact on compost
  • Potting mixes – their components, how they’re made, and their purposes
  • Why sourcing direct from a manufacturer has advantages
  • Common problems and questions around composts, mixes, and soils

Bring along your questions—Paul will be happy to share his practical advice and insights.

Mini Speaker: Yvette Edwards
Flower arranging with a twist

Yvette’s love for flowers began in her grandmother’s garden in North Wales and grew through visits to iconic gardens with her mother—an experience they still cherish today.

She trained in floristry in the English countryside, gaining experience in everything from stately home weddings to royal luncheons. After moving to New Zealand, Yvette launched her wedding florals business from Island Bay before opening her first store on Tory Street, Wellington, in 2016. Known for its lush greenery and seasonal blooms, it became a destination for bespoke, sustainable floral design.

In 2025, Yvette relocated to Christchurch to begin a new chapter, continuing to grow her botanical journey.

Garden Life November

Tuesday 4th 6pm & Wednesday 5th 1pm

Main Speaker: Helen Osborne - Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House Museum
Where Change Took Root: Kate Sheppard and the Landscape of Suffrage

This talk explores the remarkable life and enduring impact of Kate Sheppard through the lens of her home and garden in Ōtautahi Christchurch. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading suffrage campaigner, Kate Sheppard understood the power of persistence, strategy, and community — values still deeply rooted in the place she once called home.

Helen Osborne shares insights into Kate’s vegetarianism and its influence on the historic garden, as well as the transformation of the house into a public site of memory. The presentation highlights how this space continues to spark conversations about women’s rights, political change, and social justice — inviting reflection on how heritage places can serve as powerful reminders of activism, resistance, and the everyday lives that shape history.

Helen is the Property Lead for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, where she manages Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House Museum.

Mini Speaker: Bear Astill - Midgarden

Discover the world of chilli peppers with Midgarden, a small organic farming enterprise based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch. Founded by Bear Astill and Amy Wilson, Midgarden began with a lockdown passion for growing chillies and has since grown into a vibrant business specialising in organic, flavourful varieties—some familiar, others rare and surprising.
Come along to hear their story, learn how they grow sustainably, and dive into the colourful, spicy world of chillies!