In the Garden by Ciara

Located in the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand, the Christchurch Botanical Gardens is a place of tranquility for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a beautiful view. Spanning over 51 acres, the gardens are a perfect representation of how lush and green New Zealand’s landscape is.

As I entered the garden I was first faced with the tall, vibrant, and intricate Peacock Fountain. The jets of water flew gracefully from the topmost tier and cascaded down, creating a relaxing sound that hides the noise of the surrounding city. After moving through the garden, I walked past the herbaceous border. It showcases an array of gorgeous perennials that vary in size, color, and shape. I was delighted to see a number of plants that I have recognized and studied, back home, at the University of Delaware. I would frequently point out the plants I knew, in their latin name, and was impressed with how many I could recall. It added a sense of pride and connection to my visit. As I continued to wander throughout the garden I stumbled upon the native species section. It was filled with a variety of shrubs, ferns, trees, and perennials. My favorite feature of my journey was observing the abundance of lily cultivars. Their petals, in shades of white, pink, maroon, orange, and yellow added a vivid burst of color bringing life and energy into such a loud green landscape. To my surprise, I crossed paths with a couple of ducks who led me to a beautiful glistening pond. Across the pond was a bridge where many people took pictures to capture the landscape's charm. Another place for very lovely photos is the rose garden. Organized in a circular bed, is a collection of modern roses, luckily for us, all in bloom. The garden’s formal design created a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly complementing the island’s tropica, and forested surroundings. Another exciting aspect of the garden is the Avon river that winds gently through the grounds. There is an option to take a punt ride on the river and paddle alongside the ginormous weeping willows. After walking for a couple hours I started to hear my stomach rumble. I took the opportunity to eat a delicious burger outside in the garden. I did need to dodge some unwelcoming seagulls however, I have never enjoyed a meal so much within such a stunning landscape. I wish my trip did not have to end but I appreciated my time in such a luscious garden with an abundance of pictures I can send to my family and friends. I will be coming back!

Flowers from the Botanical Garden in Christchurch

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