Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, were founded in 1863 when an English oak was planted to commemorate the solemnisation of the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.The Gardens sprawl over an area of 21 hectares and lie adjacent to the loop of the Avon River next to Hagley Park. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens have a variety of collection of exotic and local plants of New Zealand. Some of the many attractions of these beautiful Gardens include:The Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, which opened in April 2014, has a café, gift shop and an interactive permanent exhibition featuring the history of plants and gardening in Canterbury, New Zealand.The Herb Garden, located by the Curator's House, (started in 1986) has several plants of culinary and medicinal value (see Herbalism).The Central Rose Garden has more than 250 varieties of modern cultivar roses.The Heritage Rose Garden has a selection of rambling heritage roses that delight in the summer months.Collections of plants from all around the world including Asia, North America, Europe, South America and South Africa.The conservatory complex which includes Cuningham House, a large Victorian glasshouse containing a tropical collection, Townend House with its flowering plant displays, Garrick House with a cacti collection and the adjoining Gilpin House, with an orchid/carnivorous plant collection.