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PUBLIC GARDENS IN TIMARU DISTRICT
Timaru Botanic gardens
Geraldine Domain
Temaka Domain
Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden
Aigantighe Gardens & Gallery
Centennial Park
From the beginning Timaru District has been a place of shelter with a temperate climate and soil conditions to suit all types of gardening. Protected from harsh winters and extreme summers at a latitude of around 45 degrees south, the region is an ideal locality for the successful growing of almost everything. An abundance of herbaceous plants, woodland specimens, and all varieties of alpine plants and a profusion of bulbs all thrive happily together. Even some Mediterranean, Australian and South African species flourish in the favourable environment. Roses in particular are characteristic of the area and Timaru well deserves its identification as ‘A City of Roses’. Take time to appreciate the creativity of our forefathers and the artistry of some of the district’s many garden lovers.
Timaru Botanic Gardens - Back to Top
TIMARU BOTANIC GARDENS, main entrance, Queen Street: Wide open spaces carefully planned for all season enjoyment. Over 30 plant collections include New Zealand’s largest collection of species roses, A Shakespeare Theme Walk, trees of the world, an historic walk, two ponds, a large conservatory and a detailed education centre displaying posters, photographs and brochures as well as comprehensive hands-on displays. Timaru is one of few places left to nurture some natives threatened with extinction. They, along with rare and endangered species from several countries, are protected at the Timaru Gardens.
OPEN: Summer 8am-dusk; Winter 8am-5pm
Conservatory: week days 10am-4pm, weekends & public holidays 2pm-4pm
Education Centre: Wednesdays & Sundays 2pm-4pm, or by appointment
Geraldine Domain - Back to Top
GERALDINE DOMAIN, corner Hislop & Cox Streets; 36km north west of Timaru: Lush plants thrive in Geraldine largely because the inland rainfall is higher than that of the coastal areas of Canterbury. The town has built on its heritage of trees. Thoughtful early planting of specimen conifers and colourful English trees contributes largely to the distinctive beauty of the Domain which doubles as the town’s camp ground. A major feature of the Domain is the attractive rose garden and the nearby rhododendrons planted more recently to provide welcome shelter and some privacy.
Temuka Domain - Back to Top
TEMUKA DOMAIN, Domain Avenue; 18km north of Timaru on SH1: Tree planting began in the 1800s in Temuka’s large Domain. The resulting arboretum of mature trees is diverse and colourful. Native plants and a rose garden also have a place on this land that is also the town’s golf course and home to several sports clubs.
Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden - Back to Top
TREVOR GRIFFITHS ROSE GARDEN
Caroline Bay - Timaru
This remarkable garden featuring some of the world’s best roses is a Timaru attraction that cannot be copied and cannot be bettered. It is a tribute to renowned South Canterbury rosarian and author, Trevor Griffiths, whose collection of genuine old roses was once the third largest in the world. It is from this collection, plus a further 600 modern roses from English breeder, David Austin, that the garden of 1200 roses has evolved. Architecturally designed to include some 60 small gardens, an attractive entrance, lych gate, gazebo, arbours and central pergola, it has become a talking point with local people and visitors since its opening on 10 December 2001.
It is said roses like the sun and roses like a little breeze through them. Both are natural phenomenons in Timaru but the surrounding Monterary Cyprus (macrocarpa) hedge ensures protection from unwelcome elements as well as containing the garden in one special area to be admired as an entity in itself.
Funded entirely by the Timaru Beautifying Society and generous public donations the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden is now under the management of the Timaru District Council.
OPEN: always - best times December, January and February
Aigantighe Gardens & Gallery - Back to Top
AIGANTIGHE GARDENS & GALLERY, 49 Wai-iti Road, Timaru: Lime trees planted by the original owner of this property in the early 1900s are protected by the Timaru District Council. James Grant created a spacious garden at Aigantighe before giving his old home to the city of Timaru to be used as ‘a place of rest and leisure.’ Azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and other reliable perennials and shrubs border the sweeping lawns. An art gallery, now acclaimed as one of the best in the country was established in 1956. It has since been extended and, as well as owning its own extensive collection, it hosts several touring exhibitions annually. While wandering in the peaceful grounds visitors may enjoy the sculpture garden which was put in place in 1990 after an International Stone Carving Symposium was held in South Canterbury.
OPEN: Tuesday-Friday 11am-4.30pm
Saturday & Sunday 2pm-4.30pm
Centennial Park - Back to Top
CENTENNIAL PARK, main gate Otipua Road, Timaru: A large tract of land bought by the Timaru Borough Council in 1934 bringing the country to town. Also known as the Scenic Reserve the land was increased by the donation of a further 16 acres from George Bowker to provide better access to the park. The bluestone Bowker Gateway was opened in 1940. A 3.5km walkway follows an old railway line and open pasture from Gleniti Road to the gateway. A recreation area surrounding the man-made lake was planted by members of the Centennial Park Trust and, 100 pin oaks plus blocks of native trees enhance the entire park. Free access and lack of restricting regulations make this a popular family picnic venue.
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