Ellerslie International Flower Show 2009
Hagley Park, Christchurch
SHOW REVIEW continued
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Also needing mention was the Odering's Wedding Garden designed by Karl Odell and Justin Chapman where form and function were successfully integrated. A bush backdrop with a simple blue, white and yellow design made for traditional concepts in a modern articulation.
Bush Telly won the Supreme Award of the show and its native bush with stream, the idyll invaded by possums, feral cats and mustelids, along with the sheds and paraphernalia that doubled as a television set were certainly effective.
On the Dark Side of the Moon by Ben Hoyle A very different garden - and not a comfortable one. With its grass-covered globe that opened, and harp lines it was challenging and theatrical. An attention grabber and very popular with many visiting the show.
And, thank goodness for Suzanne Sullivan who gave us the only roses in the gardens in her Hi Tea in The Garden.
Marquee Feature Displays
Dan Rutherford's 'Microcosms', a convincing recreation of the New Zealand West Coast bush, complete with damp moss and native bird calls.
Right next door 'Seeking Shangri-La' by a team led by Peter Cheok of Singapore, also had a message of sustainability, realised in a diametrically opposed way, full of light, colour and diverse plantings.
Hort Galore Marquees
The carnivorous plant display by the Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Garden - and the knowledgeable people staffing it. (For more see www.ccc.govt.nz/botanic gardens/friends
Eastwoodhill Arboretum's display, perfectly suited to an autumn show.
Bring Back Bees - more on sustainability.
John Thacker's lively dissertation on wicked Weeds in the Garden and Environment in the E-Can display.
Cashmere Garden Club old-fashioned gardening, complete with an old fashioned gardener.
Centre Stage a bright display by the Avonhead Garden Club using pink flowers and featuring 'Ivy', a statuesque lady crafted by club members.
Wearable Weeds
Judging by the queues (and the need to schedule extra shows) the Wearable Weeds were a hit and, in true weed fashion, the buttercup escaped the marquee to delight those waiting outside. Perhaps next year the organisers might televise the show on large screens in the picnic area as an alternative to queueing for the live performance.
Floral Art
The Floral Art displays were of a quality and we thought the displays of note were:
'Inspired by Hollywood' by Patricia Proctor of Christchurch. Dramatic lighting and a 'wall' of creatively arranged flowers made for a stunning display, that best viewed and shown below. This earned a gold award.
Others we liked were 'Actresss and Artist, Ginger "Pinkie" Rogers', by Shirley Russ of Canterbury, and 'The Last Samurai', by Jenny Harris of North Canterbury.
Trade Displays
A good range of trade displays complemented the demonstration stalls and gardens, though there were few people actually selling plants to this huge captive market. Trade exhibitors we spoke to were pleased with the turnout and said that sales were above expectations. Many people were seen walking away from the show laden with shopping bags.
Christchurch has lived up to its name as the Garden City, and we look forward already to 2010, with more fantastic gardens, larger marquees and shorter queues, and more opportunities for the tens of thousands of visitors to sample all of the delights of Ellerslie in the Park.
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Wedding Garden by Karl Odell
Bush Telly - Supreme Award winner
On the Dark Side of the Moon by Ben Hoyle
Dan Rutherford's Microcosms
Seeking Shrangri La, by Peter Cheok from Singapore
Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Garden
Cashmere Garden Club
A Wearable weed
Inspired by Hollywood, by Patricia Proctor
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Contact Details
Show Dates 10 - 13 March 2010
Tickets Tel (NZ) 0800 842 538 or through Ticketek outlets nationwide
Phone: Tel +64 3 941 8999
Website: www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz | |
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