A garden show is essential for Christchurch the Garden City.
Recent decisions by the Christchurch City Council are very encouraging for the development of our own show. More importantly is the idea that garden and horticultural people will be consulted in Christchurch. However that does not mean we should be waiting around to be consulted. Lets get thinking and talking.
The previous show failed in many respects because it was superimposed on us and did not connect well with local businesses and organisations. Further, it did not take local pride in Christchurch with it.
Any new show needs to come from within the community using the resources, businesses, ideas and expertise of everyone so that it feels like everyone is contributing to it.
Such a show should not be seen as entertainment per se but as a place of pride, sharing, learning, exchanging ideas, celebration, business opportunities, sales, futures thinking and enhancement of our fantastic Christchurch environment.
In order for it to be a rallying point for the Garden City it needs to have a minimum cost entry fee encouraging as many people as possible to attend. It needs to be in a location with reduced setup costs and easy access.
In the words of Lord Rutherford “we don’t have much money therefore we need to think”.