Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Water fountain at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Type	Botanic gardens
Location	Christchurch
Coordinates	43.53°S 172.62°E / -43.53; 172.62
Area	21 hectares (52 acres)
Created	1863 (1863)
Operated by	Christchurch City Council
Open	All year
Website	Official website

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand are botanical gardens founded in 1863, when an English oak was planted on 9 July 1863 to commemorate the solemnisation of marriage between Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

The Gardens sprawl over an area of 21 hectares and lie adjacent to the loop of the Avon River next to Hagley Park. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens have a variety of collection of exotic and local plants of New Zealand. Some of the attractions of the Gardens include:

• The Herb Garden (started in 1986) has several plants of culinary and medicinal value (see Herbalism).
• The Rose Garden has more than 250 varieties of roses.
• Collections of plants from all around the world including Asia, North America, Europe, South America and South Africa.
• Cunningham house- a large Victorian glass house containing an impressive tropical collection with an orchid/carnivorous plant collection and a cactus house attached.
• Fern house
• A variety of bird watching opportunities, with many woodpigeons being present and a cormorant colony in action during the spring
• The Rock Garden contains some plants that remain in flower throughout the year.
• The Heather Garden has several Ericas and Callunas, providing flowers and foliage year round.
• A portion of the Gardens has several species of Rhododendron and hybrids with several associated plants of Hostas, Helleborus and Liliums.
• The Water Garden has lillies and irises and has many mature trees and shrubs surrounding it.
• A mature Native plant section with a wide range of New Zealand plants