Poll: Does Christchurch still deserve the title of the Garden City?
Christchurch is still flying the Garden City flag, but is it still backing it up?
Elizabeth Peacock certainly doesn’t think so.
A past president of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, Peacock tells Frank Film that the state of some of the planted spaces of Christchurch are a disgrace.
Andrew Rutledge, the present head of parks, defends the current approach.
“We’re heading into a much more naturalised phase with a bigger focus on indigenous planting,” he tells Frank Film. “They’re not gardens.”
This, according to Rutledge, is meeting resistance from those who are still after the “highly groomed lawn”.
“I would be ashamed to bring anyone to have a look,” she says. “A garden should be joyous!”
Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
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42.5% Yes
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53.5% No
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4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.9% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.6% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Toxic algae
We've had early reports of toxic algae in some of our awa/rivers. Unfortunately, dogs like to seek out the algae and eat it, causing serious harm.
We monitor water quality at recreation sites over summer for toxic algae, however, site assessments are based on the risk to human health. It is not always possible to observe small amounts of toxic algae that could still be dangerous for dogs.
If you’re ever in doubt about the water quality, then keep your dog on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
It's vital to know what to look for to keep your dogs safe 👉 www.ecan.govt.nz...