Cashmere Garden Club - Canterbury Horticultural Society

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.
1952Nylon 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. (before 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.

1955 Entry to CHS Little Chelsea, won premier award (the Oscar) — Entry to CHS Little Chelsea, 1955. Winner of the Premier Award (Oscar)

1955 The Oscar, CHS Award (donated by Mr John Templin)

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.

Cashmere garden Club has been involved in exhibitions in Canterbury Show , Annual Flower Show which became Spring Flower Show, Picnic outings, CHS Flower Shows, Flowers for Shows, pan Pacific Arts Festival, floral carpets, Luncheons in the hall, Floral displays, bus Trips

Involvement and exhibiting in the Christchurch Floral Festival and the Ellerslie Flower Show in 2008 with achievement of Silver for Distinction as well as in 2010

Evolvement of criteria for Show bench

The new millennium saw the club involvement in digital technology with exposure in television interviews, use of Trade Me and the production of a CD

2004 members began work on the Halswell Quarry Garden which unfortunately ceased in October 2021.

July 2010 members produced a video for the 70h Anniversary of the club The Founders Troupe was devised and directed by Jennifer Barrer whose mother Margaret Barrer was present at the first meeting of the CGC in 1940.

After September 7.1 Earthquake meetings continued to take place with some gaps for building closures. All members survived the 22 February 2011 earthquake however an unsettling time and with changed circumstances many members moved away. The club continued to meet monthly and were involved with a range of garden related activities.

2020 the 80th celebration of the club was held between Lockdowns and social distancing at Rossendale at Tai Tapu. The gardener from Ohinetahi spoke about his work in the garden of Sir Miles Warren.

Significant milestones of the club have been celebrated in various places with a range of activities. Cashmere garden Club is known for delicious afternoon teas. A Times of much chatter and fun.

85th Anniversary a Celebration of Friendship Flowers Fun and Gardening

7 July 2025 when the 85th Anniversary was celebrated, club members and guests were entertained by our guest speaker, Costume Designer and Fabric Artist Jenny Gillies. Models for the floral creations included present club members Jennifer Barrer, (daughter of one of our founding members, Margaret Barrer ) as well as Lynn Palmer. Members were able to have fun trying on hats.

Tables were decorated with chocolates accompanied by a tag with a gardening quote. Celebratory brochures with the menu and a range of historical photographs were on at each place.

Key factors that led to the formation of the club 85 years ago still relevant with the inspiration of all things floral still alive today. Meeting being a place to gain and share knowledge with like-minded people.

CGC follow much of the format of the founding club with a variety of speakers on topics associated with plants and exhibitors who ensure a monthly show bench of a range of beautiful cut flowers and creative Decorative designs. Highlights of the year still include the annual bus trip, Presentation of Trophies, Christmas parties, outings to members’ gardens and nurseries as well as involvement in workshops

Past members remembered by a large number of trophies in their memory which are presented to members who aspire to win the respective sections. Competition is indeed alive.