Ruth BirdWhere were you born and where did you spend most of your childhood?

I was born in Leeston and spent my early childhood on a farm at Lakeside. I boarded in Christchurch for secondary school.

Where do you live now and with whom?

My husband and I moved to Christchurch in 1970 from Greymouth. We lived in various residences in leafy Fendalton.  I’ve been in my current house on Memorial Avenue for the past 16 years.

What aroused your interest in gardening or horticulture?

Being brought up on a farm with a large vege and flower garden and with a Grandfather and Mother who were very interested in horticulture.

What gardening or horticultural interests do you have now?

I’ve always had an interest in many plants and growing vegetables for the table.

What’s your favourite plant and why?

All flowers have a special beauty.  Spring bulbs for new beginnings, rhododendrons for their reliability and variety of colour, paeonies for their bright blousy blooms, roses for perfume, Autumn leaves for their changing colour and hellebores for their Winter brightness.

What’s been your most challenging and/or rewarding gardening project ?

Each year keeping the garden tidy and weed free becomes more challenging on your own.

When did you join the CHS and why?

My husband and I joined the CHS in the early 1990s so we could learn more by listening to the very knowledgeable speakers.

What is your passion for the future of the CHS?

To have members with energy and passion to take the CHS into the future.