Showcase of Ellerslie Flower Show

This year’s Ellerslie Flower Show held in Christchurch from 26th February to 2nd March 2014 has set new records on numerous levels. It had twice the amount of gardens, more plants and a whole new category - School Gardens. The show was a total resounding success. For those that went, they will be back, for those that didn’t make it; you won’t want to miss next years show!

The School Gardens and the kids that built them were unashamedly the horticultural heroes of the entire show. In its first year, eight schools took part, next year it is set to double. Each school was given a blank pre-made façade in which to create a garden that symbolised there school, environment and cultural views. Four gold medals were awarded, two silvers and two merits.

Only two gold medals were awarded in the Outdoor Exhibition gardens, Outside the Box by Emily McKeown and Sticks and Stones by Aaron and Vicky Bartlett.

The coveted Peoples Choice award went to Passion, by Sally Brown. It was my favourite garden of the show. Mainly because it was packed to the gunnels with plants, thousands of them, in every shade of pink. Sally’s bright and sunny personality and passion for plants captivated anyone with a botanical bone in their body, and her passion for flowers, plants and people is infectious. Flowering tulips, never seen before at Ellerslie in Christchurch, studded her garden. A botanically brilliant effort.

Most show goers stayed 5-6 hours, with the floral fashion parades by Jenny Gillies marquee being over prescribed every session.

Images:

Lifes a Breeze, Gold Medal - West Eyreton School
Morning tea in Lyttleton, Gold Medal - Lyttleton Main School
Growing to enjoy, growing to share, Silver Medal - St Albans Catholic School
Passion, People’s Choice – Sally Brown
Outside the Box, Large Outdoor Gardens, Gold Medal - Emily McEwan
Backyard of Mexico, Silver Medal - Letitia Thomson and Ashleigh Matthews
Superb Effort Community Gardens, Silver Medal – Canterbury Community Gardens
A Gentleman’s Playground, Urban Paving, Silver Medal - Will Morrison
New Mexico, Young Designer of the Year 2014 - Jordan Hampson
Under My Umbrella, Silver Medal – Ben Hoyle
Sticks and Stones, Large Outdoor Gardens, Gold Medal - Aaron and Vicky Bartlett

By Rachel Vogan

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