When & Where
The Kiosk
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
(Just over the footbridge - Armagh Street carpark).
The first Wednesday of the Month
1pm - 3pm & 7pm - 9pm
Members: $5.00
non-members: $10.00
Tea, coffee and biscuits included
Garden Life 2023
Wednesday 1 February
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 1 March
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 5 April
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 3 May
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 7 June
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 5 July
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 2 August
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 6 September
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 4 October
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 1 November
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 6 December
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Don't forget you can find a copy of Michael Coulter's Monthly Tips & Tasks here
GARDEN LIFE DECEMBER
Wednesday 6 December 1pm and 7pm
Main Speaker: Wolfgang Bopp
The Gardens of Japan
The stunning gardens of Japan have drawn Wolfgang Bopp, Director of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, to visit six times. From arid gardens to moss-covered sanctuaries, serene ponds, thoughtfully arranged stones (ishigumi), blooming cherry trees, and vibrant autumn hues, Wolfgang will unveil the beauty of Tokyo and Kyoto's most remarkable gardens and temples.
About Wolfgang Bopp
Wolfgang, originally from Germany, turned his lifelong hobby into a horticulture career. After plant research and a move to the UK in 1991 for the Botanic Gardens Diploma, he contributed to the World List of Threatened Trees. Roles followed at Ness Botanic Gardens and as the first Curator of the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Later, as Director of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, he managed one of the world's most diverse plant collections. For a decade, Wolfgang served as a trustee for Plantnet and played key roles in the RHS, including judging floral displays at their shows. In 2018, he became Director of the Botanic Gardens and Garden Parks in Christchurch, New Zealand, also serving as a trustee for NZ Gardens Trust and BGANZ. In his leisure, Wolfgang leads garden tours worldwide, exploring landscapes from South Africa to Japan.
Mini Speaker: Alan Jolliffe
New Zealand Mistletoe
Here in New Zealand we have nine native mistletoes; although one species has not been seen since about 1954. We all hear about mistletoe at Christmas as it is tied up in a number of traditional Christmas songs. In the UK a piece of green, leafy mistletoe is hung decoratively (without flowers due to it being Wintertime. Here in New Zealand many of our mistletoes flower at Christmastime; from the very bright to the minute.
Mistletoe, being semi-parasitic, thrive by growing on host plants and, unfortunately, eventually lead to their demise. Despite this, they boast an abundance of flowers that later yield copious quantities of fruit.
In Alan's presentation, you'll encounter visuals of all our Mistletoes, including the extinct variety. Many of these images are captured in Canterbury, offering a rewarding glimpse into their world for those who time their visit just right.
There is no Garden Life meeting in January