When & Where
The Kiosk
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
(Just over the footbridge - Armagh Street carpark).
The first Wednesday of the Month
1pm - 3pm & 5.30pm - 7.30pm (from May)
Members: $5.00
non-members: $10.00
Tea, coffee and biscuits included
Garden Life 2024
Wednesday 7 February
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 6 March
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 3 April
1-3pm & 7-9pm
Wednesday 1 May
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 5 June
1-3pm No Evening Session
Wednesday 6 July
1-3pm No Evening Sesion
Wednesday 7 August
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 4 September
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 2 October
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 6 November
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 4 December
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
Don't forget you can find a copy of Michael Coulter's Monthly Tips & Tasks here
GARDEN LIFE APRIL
Wednesday 3 April 1pm and 7pm
Main Speaker - Josie Martin
The Artist and the Giant
Josie is a qualified Horticulturist and Fellow of The Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, a painter, sculptor and ceramicist. Josie’s unique home, The Giant’s House, is a grand historic residence built in 1881 and situated in the historic French township of Akaroa. Her artist's garden has featured on “Maggies Garden Show”, Australian TV, the “NZ Gardener” the NZ House and Garden and in “Next” Magazine.
UPDATE: Due to the unavailability of our wonderful speakers in the evening, we've prepared a special programme kicking off with a screening of "The Giant's House Akaroa", courtesy of Josie Martin. Following that, a special demonstration on planting Spring bulbs in bowls will run. After the demo, we'll host a bulb swap, so don't forget to bring a bag of bulbs from your garden (please ensure you know the type of bulb they are).
Mini Speaker - David Barwick
Curator, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
David is the curator for the Herbaceous Border at the Gardens and our Mini Speaker for April. He will be talking about colour theory in the garden and how to create harmony with your plantings
GARDEN LIFE MAY
Wednesday 1 May 1pm and 5.30pm
Main Speaker - Kate Gislason
A Life Without Waste
Kate Gislason, a dedicated advocate for waste minimization, currently serves as the owner/director of Without Waste, a pioneering company specializing in waste reduction solutions for events and businesses. With roots in Ohio, U.S.A., Kate boasts six years of invaluable experience within the waste management sector. Her expertise spans a diverse spectrum, encompassing upcycling initiatives, community outreach and education, event waste management, and childhood environmental programmes.
In an upcoming session, Kate will share her wealth of knowledge, shedding light on fundamental recycling practices, unpacking recent standardisation rules in New Zealand's kerbside bins, and drawing insights from her extensive tenure in the U.S. waste industry. Moreover, attendees can anticipate gaining invaluable zero-waste strategies and insights, distilled from Kate's hands-on experience and commitment to sustainability. This session promises to be an enlightening discourse, offering actionable insights and practical tips for individuals and organisations seeking to minimize their environmental footprint. Join us as we delve into the forefront of waste reduction efforts with Kate Gislason.
Mini Speaker: Dave Adams & Anne Gane
Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards
Dave and Anne will share highlights from the participating gardens.
The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
$5 (Non-Members: $10) Pay on the door
Tea, coffee and biscuits included
New Timings for Garden Life
Our May session of Garden Life will be at the new evening time of 5.30pm. These sessions will launch with self-serve hot drinks, cheese and crackers and a half hour of social time. Feel free to bring along a home-made pickle to share! In June & July Garden Life will take a break from evening sessions, returning in August with lots of new ideas for Spring! From August through to June all evening sessions will run at the new time of 5.30pm.