Cashmere Garden Club

Notes on the History of the Cashmere Garden Club

• 1940 on 23 August the inaugural meeting held in the home of President Mrs N G Mitchell with 10 people present. CHS Representative John Templin
  • Subs 2 shillings
  • Meetings held on a Monday  at member’s homes and only open to women of  Cashmere area
  • First Club Outing to the Botanical gardens
• 1941 1st AGM with 41 members attending and CHS rules adopted.
  • Oct 1941 CHS Spring Flower Show club won the Royal Horticultural Society Medal for the exhibit.
• 1942 afternoon tea of wine biscuits and water
  •  At the 2nd AGM it was noted that it was “Helpful to have a club where members could relax and forget the worries of the war.” During the War years, the creation of the Garden Club gave women friendship, chance for creativity, knowledge, competition and support.
• 1945 Club Competitions in 2 sections
  • Demonstrations of decorative work  to pupils at cashmere Primary schools
• 1950s began meeting in the Methodist Hall
• 1951 Floral Week in Christchurch. Members decorated DIC store window.
• 1952 Nylon stockings were donated to the sales table and raised 1 pound 2 shillings and sixpence.
• 1953 Coronation planting day 25  club members donated and planted 1300 trees in the area between the Takahe and Victoria park
• 1954 Jean Foweraker began Miniature Rock garden competition
  • Decision to give One point per entry (remains today)
• 1955 First entry in CHS Woodlands or Little Chelsea in Hagley Park. Cashmere Garden Club entered “Still Life – An Artist’s Studio” The flower arrangement was the work of Mae Salmond and the painting was by Rata Lovell-Smith which when completed was sold to the National Art Gallery in Wellington. It was awarded the Premier Award. That award we call our Oscar. is now awarded for the most points received in a year by a member of  the Cashmere Garden Club.  
• 1956 beginning of a new judge per month
• 1958 Picnic outing as surprise Birthday Party with iced Champagne (pre chilly bins).
• 1959 Inclusion of instructions on Floral Art
• 1961 Club 21st Anniversary which included entertainment including Flowers through the Ages with text and accompanying figure dressed in the associated costume.
  • Competitions developed from early Collections of Flowers to the making of a posy bowl
  • Decorative Classes divided according to points with Classes A1, A and B
• 1966 the beginning of gifts for meals on Wheels recipients at Christmas
• 1970  81 members produced. Floral Displays for Coronation Hospital which continued for 20 years
• 1973 Club entry in Pan Pacific Festival, a set piece diorama on the river bank with painted back drop of mountains with Mt Cook in the foreground. It was created from dried materials and so effective it was purchased by Mt Cook and co.
• 1977 Yearly welcome Morning Teas for new members began
• 1980 40th Anniversary celebrated  at the Lansdowne community centre
• 1990 A Mystery 50th Anniversary celebration when members travelled by bus and cars to Ohoka to visit Eyre house, to a Rangiora garden then to Ashley for a picnic. Competitions included decorated hats, plant quiz and posy making.
• 2004: Began work on the Halswell Quarry Garden (ceased in 2021)
• 2004 - 2010
• Participated in:
  • Canterbury Show exhibitions
  • Annual/Spring Flower Shows
  • CHS Flower Shows
  • Pan Pacific Arts Festival
  • Floral carpets and floral displays
  • Luncheons, picnic outings, and bus trips
• Exhibited at:
  • Christchurch Floral Festival
  • Ellerslie Flower Show (Silver Distinction Awards in 2008 & 2010)
• Contributed to the development of Show bench criteria
• Embraced digital technology:
  • Featured in television interviews
  • Used Trade Me for promotion
  • Produced a club CD
• 2010: Created a video for the 70th Anniversary
  • The Founders Troupe was devised by Jennifer Barrer, whose mother attended the club's first meeting in 1940
• Continued meeting after the 2010–2011 earthquakes, despite disruptions and relocations
• 2020: Celebrated 80th anniversary between COVID lockdowns at Rossendale, Tai Tapu
  • Guest speaker: Gardener from Ohinetahi (Sir Miles Warren’s garden)
  • Milestones celebrated in various locations with themed activities
• Renowned for:
  • Delicious afternoon teas
  • Lively, fun-filled gatherings

85th Anniversary a Celebration of Friendship Flowers Fun and Gardening

In July 2025 Cashmere Garden Club marked its 85th anniversary with a delightful celebration featuring guest speaker Jenny Gillies, a renowned costume designer and fabric artist. Club members and guests enjoyed floral creations modelled by Jennifer Barrer (daughter of founding member Margaret Barrer) and Lynn Palmer, with fun hat-trying activities adding to the festive atmosphere.

Tables were beautifully set with chocolates and gardening quotes, accompanied by commemorative brochures showcasing the club’s rich history. The founding spirit—sharing knowledge and passion for all things floral—remains vibrant today.

The club continues its tradition of varied speakers, monthly flower shows, annual outings, and friendly competitions, honouring past members through memorial trophies. Notably, foundation member Margaret Jane Foweraker, celebrated for her pioneering alpine garden, remains an inspiration.

Significant members of Cashmere Garden Club 

A large number of members have made a significant contribution to the club.

Margaret Jane (Jean) Foweraker

• Foundation member
• Established possibly the first Alpine garden in Christchurch.
• Noted for local and overseas visitors
• Native and Exotic plants mostly from seeds.
• Plants now in the Fowraker House in Christchurch Botanic gardens

Club Meetings

Meetings are on the first Monday of the month at 2pm.
Cashmere Church Hall, corner of Dyers Pass Rd and MacMillan Ave
Cashmere Garden Club welcomes visitors.

Contact Denise Grant (President) grantdk45@gmail.com