Type: Nursery, Large Town
Owners: Gerard Delis
Address: 455A Johns Road, Harewood Christchurch
Phone: (03) 359 8127
Fax: (03) 359 4046
Cellphone: 027 4321 585
Email: jdelis@paradise.net.nz
Contact: Gerard Delis, ph 027 4321 585
DESCRIPTION
Fern Bush is a unique hidden treasure at 455a Johns Road, located at the end of the tree lined drive. Initiated in 1955 by Gerard Delis A private, native garden particularly noted for its native ferns, bird life and native trees. A quiet secluded, private haven which is a place for reflection and inner peace. A spring fed stream meanders through ferns and trees creating a micro climate. Working with nature has created a unique area and recreated West Coast growing conditions.
There are over 40 varieties of ferns that include tufted ferns, climbing ferns, perching ferns and crepe ferns. Tree ferns include Mamaku, Katote, Wheka and Ponga. Native trees including Kauri, Rimu, Lemonwood, black beech, mountain beech, red beech, Halls’ Totara, kowhai, flowering manukas, cabbage trees, celery pines and red pine tower overhead. Akeake, coprosma, five finger, golden akeakehinau, horopito, kahikatea, karo, lace bark, lancewood, matipo, miro, honey suckle, ngaio, olearia, peppertree, pigeon wood, putaputaweta, rewarewa, southern rata, thin barked totara, toatoa toro and wineberry are found as you walk in this .3299 hectare area reflecting a 55 year passion of planting.
The dawn chorus is deafening with bellbirds, woodpigeon, king fishers, fantails, wrens, blackbirds, sparrows and many other bird species that come and go.
The micro climate was established by draining the wetland and pumping water over the plants which is then returned to the stream. We have photos of the original land of swamp, bracken, pussywillow and broom.
There is a bridge over the stream for photos.
OTHER INFORMATION
Open: November to March by appointment only.
Admission: $10 per person Groups and individual casuals welcome Reduced rates for children
Directions: Travel down Gardiners Road and turn left on to Johns Road. Go past the wood yard, warrant of fitness garage, two more properties then turn left into the second drive with the orange sticker on the lamp post – J & G Delis.
Parking: Please leave buses on the road as no turning or parking facilities are available. Small 9 seater coaches and private vehicles are able to turn at the house.