Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards


Nominate a garden in the Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards 2025

From backyards to pots and windowsills, this partnership between Christchurch City Council and Canterbury Horticultural Society is an opportunity to celebrate all types of food gardens.

Entries close on Sunday 12 January 2025.
Take a look at previous years for inspiration or  Enter online now

Grow your own Cut Flowers


Sow an array of flower seeds to brighten your garden

A hands-on workshop with plenty to take home to get you growing! In this easy-going session, self-taught flower-garden enthusiast, Isabelle Weston will introduce you to growing cut flowers from seed.

Thursday 30 January 2025 7-9pm 

$40 ($45 Non-Members)

Book now

Tea in my Garden


Join us for a delightful morning in nature!

Explore three unique Waitaha gardens, meet the gardeners, and enjoy a guided tour through their beautiful grounds.

December, February & March10.30am – 12pm

Meet at the garden, or carpool with friends

$20 ($30 Non-Members)
Includes garden entry, light morning tea
Book now

Botanical Ceramics


Botanically Inspired Green Man Tile!

Join ceramicist Jane McCulla for a hands-on practical workshop. Jane will take care of the glazing and firing and two weeks later you’ll collect a glazed tile imprinted with botanical patterns and suitable for everyday use. Includes all materials.

Sunday 2 March 2025 10am-12.30pm

$65 ($80 Non-Members) Book now

Pressed Flower Workshops


Discover flower pressing with Debz Eagle

Join renowned flower preservationist and artist Debz Eagle for two inspiring workshops in flower pressing and botanical art.

Pressed Flowers: Sunday 23 March 10am – 12pm
Pressed Flower Art: Sunday 4 May 10am – 1pm

Use the coupon code SAVE$10 to save $10 when booking both Pressed Flower Workshops

$60 ($80 Non-Members) Book now

Cool Season Seeds


Planting your cut flower garden in Autumn

with flower enthusiast Isabelle Weston

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop will guide you through preparing your garden for a stunning early Spring bloom.

Thursday 27 March 7 – 9pm
The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens

$55 ($70 Non-Members) Book now

Botanical Watercolour


Immerse yourself in the art of botanical watercolours

Immerse yourself in the delicate and beautiful world of botanical watercolours under the expert guidance of renowned artist and teacher, Kay Duncan. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned painter, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and create stunning botanical artwork.

Sunday 6 April 10am – 1pm
$125 ($155 Non-Members)

Book now

Harakeke Crafting


Enjoy zero-waste, nature-based craft that creates beautiful, sustainable gifts and home decorations

Kono (four corner) Basket
Sunday 28 September 10am – 1pm & 1.30pm -4.30pm
Sunday 26 October 10am -1pm

Putiputi (Flax Flowers)
Sunday 26 October 10am – 1pm

Book Now

Craft a Halloween Themed Scarecrow


Get creative and spooky this Halloween!

Get into the spooky spirit and unleash your creativity by crafting your very own Halloween-themed scarecrow! Perfect for individuals, families, and groups, this hands-on workshop is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season.

Saturday 18 October 2-4pm

$55 per individual / family group ($70 Non-Members)
Book Now

Hydrangea – Plant of the Month

Hydrangea – Plant of the Month

December 2, 2024

Many thanks to Portstone Garden Centre for this update. CHS Members enjoy a 15% discount at Portstone Garden Centre www.portstone.co.nz   Plant of the Month Hydrangeas are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that thrive when given the right conditions. They grow best in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can enhance soil quality by adding … Read More

Acers – Plant of the Month

Acers – Plant of the Month

October 31, 2024

Many thanks to Portstone Garden Centre for this update. CHS Members enjoy a 15% discount at Portstone Garden Centre www.portstone.co.nz   Plant of the Month Acers, commonly known as Japanese Maples are a fantastic addition to any garden for their beauty, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. One of their main attractions is the stunning foliage, … Read More

Tomatoes – Plant of the Month

Tomatoes – Plant of the Month

October 3, 2024

Many thanks to Portstone Garden Centre for this update. CHS Members enjoy a 15% discount at Portstone Garden Centre www.portstone.co.nz     Plant of the Month Who likes nothing better than to pick and taste their home-grown tomatoes? Full of flavour and so many varieties to choose from. From cherry tomatoes to beef steak; from … Read More

Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – December 2024

Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – December 2024

December 2, 2024

Summer Gardening Update Canterbury Gardens in Summer Summer has arrived, bringing the annual battle with blackbirds over ripening berries. Strawberries and raspberries are their favourites, often pecked before they’re fully ripe. Not this year! With netting in place, the berries are safe, ready to enjoy with ice cream. This is a busy month in the … Read More

When is the Right Time to Harvest Your Fruit?

When is the Right Time to Harvest Your Fruit?

November 21, 2024

When is the right time to harvest? Picking too early or too late can result in underdeveloped or overly ripe fruit. Check out the information below to help you determine when your fruit is ready to be picked. Signs of Ripeness Colour Apples, pears, nectarines – full colour has developed for the variety. Peaches, plums, apricots … Read More

Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – November 2024

Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – November 2024

October 29, 2024

Spring Gardening Tips in Canterbury As I write, the rain is falling – much-needed to give Spring a proper top-up of moisture in the soil before the demands of Summer arrive. Labour Weekend is the traditional time when the soil and daytime temperatures are warm enough to plant and sow all the plants that need … Read More

Bot Tots


Bring your little one to the Kiosk for some fun gardening and nature themed activities

Mondays 10am - 11.30am (term time only)

Join Kate Gislason, our new Bot Tots facilitator for a range of events in March.
Drop-in anytime from 10am on Mondays.

$2 koha per preschooler
Click here to find out more and to keep abreast of the ongoing programme.

Floral Design Group


Learn Ikebana with our floral designers

Fruit & Vegetable Group


Love your Edibles? Find out more about our monthly fruit and veg meetings.

Chrysanthemum Group


Learn all about Growing Chrysanthemums with this passionate CHS Member Group

Orchards in Schools


Join the Orchards in Schools whanau in 2024

This important legacy project fosters children's understanding of cultivating their own food and is a source of pride for the Society

We will be establishing new orchards from June and welcome new schools within Christchurch city.

Contact orchards@chsgardens.co.nz for application details.

Annual Membership


Members receive up to 30% off all courses and workshops and some amazing discounts from local retailers. We also have over 40 Garden Clubs and many affiliated groups to join.

Purchase a CHS membership from $60

Hessian Tote Bag


Practical & Stylish

This strong hessian tote bag is perfect for carrying plants or groceries. It features an iconic harakeke frond and was designed to commemorate the 160th Anniversary of Canterbury Horticultural Society. The last few of this limited run are now available at a discounted price.

Was $15 now $8.50
Buy now

Hemp Tea Towel


Commemorative & Beautiful

This beautiful hemp tea towel featuring an iconic manuka frond marked the 160th Anniversary of Canterbury Horticultural Society. The last few of this limited run are now available at a discounted price.

Was $30 now $18
Buy now

Visit


Find us at The Kiosk

Canterbury Horticultural Society is located in The Kiosk in the heart of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens (see a map).
Our Summer hours are 10am-4pm 7 days a week.

Check our Facebook page opposite for events and notices about what's coming up, or pop in for a chat or some gardening advice anytime.

Contact us by telephone (03) 366 6937

Or send an email to office@chsgardens.co.nz