Address: Westenra’s Road, Hawarden Nth Canterbury, 7385
Phone: (03) 314 4504
Email: zino@flaxmeregarden.co.nz | www.flaxmeregarden.co.nz
Description
Garden of National Significance, NZ Garden Trust
Flaxmere Garden is a large country garden of approximately 7 acres.
It is approximately 1 hours drive north of Christchurch, through some of the prettiest parts of Canterbury. The drive includes the Waipara Vineyards and then wonderful limestone formations in the Weka Pass to an intermountain plain surrounded by the Southern Alps. Flaxmere is situated on terraced riverbed country. The garden has evolved since 1966, based on the principles of strong design, using the natural landscape. Long vistas often cross axed, and described as art forms are a predominant feature. Stone walls have been built over the years, providing a strong link with the landscape. Heavy old bridge timbers add to the country style. A series of 5 ponds with wonderful birdlife, create a sense of enormous peace.
This is a garden for all seasons. Daffodils and an abundance of flowering cherries add to the spring magic. Masses of primula candlelabra, rhododenrons, azaleas, and clematis follow in October and November.
Roses, water irises, and lilies herald the summer and are best in early December. Flaxmere was planted with autumn colour in mind, and is a blaze with reds oranges and yellows in late April, providing a flamboyant flourish before winter sets in, and as the leaves fall the bones of the garden become apparent. There is a large area of New Zealand native plants, which is attracting great interest.
The peace and tranquility of the ponds, wonderful birdlife, & vistas make this garden a “must visit.”
Other Information
Open: 1 September – 30 April (by appointment only)
Admission: $10.00 for FIT, children under 12 free
Groups: Hot and cold water provided. Outside tables and chairs to seat 50 people available.
Directions: 10 km from Hawarden on the Lake Sumner Rd. Signposted at Hawarden and again at 10km mark to indicate right hand turn. Sign Flaxmere Garden
Parking: Car & Bus Park indicated on drive.
Nursery: There is a small nursery with plants available for sale.
Accommodation: Cottage to rent within the garden – minimum stay 2 nights