Feedback file: Ellerslie Flower Show

Still no news yet (although an announcement is apparently imminent) as to the new dates for the Ellerslie Flower Show's first Christchurch event, but it's expected that the show will move to late summer in 2009. And watch this space as to whether a new Auckland show will be launched in time to fill the gap next spring. I gather that meetings are being held and plans are being hatched, but nothing is official yet. I guess we'll all have to wait and see. In the meantime, at New Zealand Gardener we received dozens of emails and letters about the show's shock sale and shift, so I thought I'd print a selection here so you can see what your fellow gardeners think. It's good to see that inter-island rivalry is alive and well too!
“It’s a personal disappointment as I won’t be travelling to Christchurch to attend it down there. Great for the South Islanders of course, and it makes me wonder, why didn’t they just start one of their own, and not pursue the Ellerslie Flower Show. Maybe a new, bigger and even better show will begin in Auckland, as I believe the support is definitely there.” Jennie Warren
“Changing the date to late summer would be great. There is so much on in spring such as the Taranaki Garden festival and other garden trails! I think NZ could handle two flower shows especially if they are on at different times.” Debbie Howard
“I flew to Auckland this year to go to Ellerslie and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think Christchurch will do a good job, but it was an excuse for we South Islanders to fly to Auckland to have a week away. It won't be the same driving to it!” Jan Suttie
“I think it's wonderful that Ellerslie is coming to Christchurch. I will definitely be going as Temuka is only about one and a half hours away. People in the South Island will be flocking there in droves. I can't wait.” Noeline Clarke
“I’m very disappointed that Ellerslie is moving to Christchurch. I have been to it since it opened except for last year. However there is talk of a new spring show so am eagerly awaiting to hear about that” Audrey Irvine
“As a floral art designer and member of a gold-winning team I am extremely disappointed at the decision. I know that Auckland designers will find it very difficult to travel south and present the kind of show that has been so popular in the Floral Art Marquee. I do hope that there will be a new Auckland garden show in the magnificent setting of our Botanic Gardens. I have attended every Ellerslie Show since its inception and exhibited at three and would definitely be supportive of a local endeavour.” Marilyn Page
“I'm sorry its going to Christchurch but I think New Zealand could support two shows. If it was on a smaller scale then maybe it could go back to Ellerslie where it was originally.” Julene Burstall
“I think that it's a good move for Christchurch City Council to have bought the Ellerslie Flower Show, after all Christchurch is known as the garden city! It will be easier for people in the South Island to attend and be part of the whole show. There are a lot of avid gardeners down in the south who will relish being able to attend with much less hassle (airfares, ferry boat, long distance driving, and accommodation). I am also of the opinion that a second garden show would be well recieved in Auckland in the spring. Judging by the number of people who attend Ellerslie each year a second show would be well supported! Go Auckland and Christchurch! There are a lot of gardeners and garden lovers out there, let’s share it all that beauty and talent!!” Adrienne Kennedy
“I travelled to Ellerslie Flower Show from Dunedin for the first time. I thought it was fantastic. I'm not sure about holding it in Christchurch even though it’s closer. One thing I noticed is the variety of plants you can grow in Auckland, tropicals especially. You can't grow those in Christchurch and they made up a significant number of the plants and displays. Also I hope Christchurch doesn't hold it in Cup week/Show week, its bedlam there then. We'll wait and see.” Liz McMecking
“I’d love to have a gardening reason to visit Christchurch from Wellington. There are many lovely gardens there - Mona Vale, Gethsemane etc which would be an added attraction. A shift south might encourage nurseries from the deep south to have stalls - Blue Mountain, Ashton Glen, Parva, Craigmore Peonies, Taunton Gardens. Not so happy about the move to a later season. Canterbury can get very hot and the spring flush is the most spectacular in my experience. I note that many landscapers from Auckland would not show but there are some very skilled landscapers in the South Island & they would be ideally placed to exhibit their ideas. Wherever it is held, I intend to attend.” Robyn Gibson
“I was very disappointed with Ellerslie this year - not enough gardening places and this is the first year the car load of ladies came home without any plant purchases - that is highly unusual for our particular group!! It has become more of a “Home show” and this sentiment has been expressed by many I have spoken to! We would not be attending next year if it was a similar format. We are looking for ideas, grass roots gardening, new plants and new ways to display them. The best stall was NZ Gardener - thanks for the colour and display of plants.” Jan Mathers
“I am one of a group of friends from Te Anau who travelled to Auckland for the Ellerslie Flower Show in 2005 & 2006. We all love our gardens and although we did enjoy Ellerslie we felt after two trips it had limited appeal for a third visit.
We really wanted to see the gardens and the displays were great from the designer perspective but not all of us can afford the 'designer garden', and of course we were limited in what we could transport home in a plane. This year we went to Hunter’s Garden Marlborough and it was absolutely awesome. The gardens and the hosts were, without exception, welcoming and very informative and they covered the ages from 93 down! The Fete covered the people who were exhibiting gardening goods, whether they were large or small businesses, we all believed a great range was available. So I would say it will be great to have an Ellerslie Flower Show in Christchurch but please can it be in conjunction with some open gardens, and not clash with Hunter’s Garden Marlborough.” Yvonne Dickson
“Not unexpected as to get one Auckland council to show some initiative and foresight is difficult but to get the two councils needed to keep the show in Auckland to both have initiative and foresight AND work in unison would be impossible. However I feel it is a bad move for the show itself and the associated industries. For example, the week after the show our South Auckland garden was visited by a group of Australian garden enthusiasts who came to New Zealand to visit the show and see gardens from Coromandel to north of Auckland over a 12 day period. The tour organiser said they would not arrange the same thing in the Christchurch region, despite the show now being there, because "of a sameness to the gardens and plant variety in that area". I am also in contact with several commercial companies who feel that the population base in Christchurch is too small to justify the cost of future displays. While some critics are unhappy with the commercialisation of Ellerslie, without the fees from stall holders the show would either be more expensive or very small with a resulting drop in the gate takings. This would result in difficulty in attracting the best of designers who would be unlikely to put the huge effort and expense into their creations. Could NZ support two shows similar to Ellerslie? I very much doubt it.” Neville Guy
“I missed Ellerslie this year and really wanted to go so I will be sad to see it go to Christchurch but Christchurch is named the 'garden city' so it's an apt place to be. A bit more travel for us aucklanders is hardly a chore - maybe Christchurch can throw on some garden visits around the city on the same weekend to make it a multiple treat for us out of towners.” Nicole Whitford
“This is the third year that we have been to Auckland for the show. On our first visit we were disappointed at the small scale of the gardens when they looked so much larger on TV or in the NZ Gardener. We have a four acre garden in Hawke's Bay. This year the displays seemed larger and we were looking for specific landscaping features. This was worthwhile and we took photos that we will use. While the winning marquee was of no great impact to us, I can appreciate that the native plants and the caves and lighting would impress people who lived in cities. The technology was of course very clever. The food marquee is always a winner but I wonder if a national flower show is really its place. We enjoyed our trip to the show and realise how much work goes into producing a show such as this, but had decided that we would probably give it a miss next year as there didn't seem to be anything very different from the previous years.” Jenny Pyatt
“Great news that Ellerslie is heading south!” Dave
"I think it may be a good idea taking it to Christchurch - as it has become very largely a retailers dream. With the cost at the gate and mostly retail stalls to see - it has out worn its usefulness. However, I would love to see a yearly garden show in the North Island. Not necessarily Auckland. How about Tauranga? Where the weather is soooo good and the garden scene is huge. It's time to get back to what really started the Ellerslie Flower Show in the first place. A love for flowers etc. NOt all retailers. A few maybe but only one stall of each kind. Plenty of pretty flowers and foliages, not all palms and stone gardens." Barb Winter
"Personally we are pleased to see the show come down south as for us to attend in Auckland would be a real hassle and out of our pocket. Christchurch has put on some good garden shows over the years and hopefully this will follow suit. We are sure that NZ is now big enough to enjoy a show in each Island and do it successfully." Ted & Lesley Hansen
"What a great coup for Christchurch - as an avid gardener I shall be one of the first through the gate. I could never afford a trip to Auckland to visit the Ellerslie Flower Show and envied those who lived in and around Auckland. I reckon the Christchurch City Council has done a great thing bringing the Show to Christchurch and the South Island." Lee Young
"I thoroughly enjoyed this years’ show. What made it more special was that I took my sister and aunt who had never been before. They really loved it and of course we all bought some goodies to take away and I now have some photos of designs that I ‘must have’ in my new garden. NZ Gardener's garden was great and it was really good to see Lynda in person. I really admire what she has achieved in the last year. Personally I think its crazy going down south… just who do they think they are!! I hope that Auckland sets up a new show and I’m sure it will get heaps of support." Carol McHannigan
"I live in Christchurch. Prior to this I lived in Meadowbank in Auckland and was never able to attend the show at Ellerslie because of the parking and queues and the fact that I was working. I am now retired and have the time to attend these functions. The gardens in Christchurch are very different to those up North. I had over an acre of garden when I lived out in North Canterbury on a lifestyle block but am now in Redcliffs by the sea and so gardening has to take into account the Easterlies and the salt winds. I often walk in the Botanic Gardens in the city and there is nothing in Auckland that compares with them. The new Ellerslie show will be held, I believe, in Hagley Park which adjoins the Botanic Gardens and again there is nothing in Auckland to compare with this magnificent site. We have tours through private gardens here and people's love of gardening is very apparent. So yes, it will be a great idea and holding it in April will mean that all the autumn colours will be on display. Do not be so greedy Auckland, there are areas of New Zealand, south of the Bombay Hills, that are very beautiful and deserve these opportunities." Nesta Foley
"I don't think I will be making the trip south to the flower show, I live in Whangarei so the trip to Auckland was only a day trip. I think it's a bit sad but I suppose some folk in Christchurch who were unable to come North will visit the show. I just wish they had started their own and left Ellerslie alone, but that's life. I think NZ could handle two flower shows." Shelley Cochrane
"I must say I am very disappointed that the Ellerslie Flower Show is moving south. I am sure that Christchurch will put on a wonderful show and no doubt many people from the South Island who were unable to attend before are thrilled, but what a pity that Auckland is losing such an amazing event. I go with a friend (it is my birthday treat to her each year) and it is our special day out. We work for the same boss (my husband) and give ourselves the day off to attend. This year, in particular, it was fantastic - so many gorgeous displays of flowers - a feast for the eyes and good for the soul. We will miss it." Ann

"I’m hedging my bets on whether the new Christchurch location will work for ‘the’ national garden show. I’m not sure that Aucklanders will flock in droves to Christchurch, but I am certain that it will be extremely faithfully supported by plenty of avid gardeners around the South Island. Yes, Christchurch is indeed the Garden City of New Zealand, but whether it will gain ‘national’ status is debatable. Can we sustain two separate shows? Probably, although I suspect that we won’t get anywhere near the standard of our international counterparts in Melbourne or Chelsea. On that note, I was somewhat disappointed in this year’s show. There was a significant reduction in the number of gardens to view, nothing like the plants on show and the marquees seemed less inspirational somehow. The lighting exhibit was excellent, but in the crowded queues it was difficult to get the full feeling for. No fantastic marquees filled with stunning, edgy, latest and/or way out designs this year – I look forward to seeing those. Maybe they are over the top and not for my garden, but they are inspiring, give wow-factor and induce admiration. That’s really what was missing – the ‘wow-factor’. Where were the massed beds showcasing the new releases, the summer colour, the fabulous perennials and roses? Overall, it was disappointing. And – no coffee carts this year! We did work out that one could queue-jump in a couple of the food marquees to get a coffee if one was smart, but standing in a stuffy marquee to get your coffee fix is a pain! And why are those superb sculptures hidden away around the back where they are difficult to access and find? There were some absolutely stunning works this year, and yet we came across other show visitors who hadn’t stumbled across them at all. I do believe that there was a lot more that the current organisers could have done to enhance the show at the Auckland Botanic Gardens venue. Thank goodness they finally organised the all weather paths to the marquees so that the regularly, annual inclement weather wouldn’t squelch its muddy remains up into our sandals or up the backs of our trousers and skirts! Auckland is a fantastic and logical location for New Zealand’s annual, prestigious garden show. It is a real shame that it has gone to Christchurch. Oh – and I loved those fabulous flower dresses and women from the Interflora stand. I missed them parading around the show – that would have been quite something to see. They were beautiful and inspirational! PS. Your own stand was too hard to get into! Lovely display of the Incredible Edibles but way too hard to find you amongst the crowd and the small space you were hidden in! You need to be up front, bold, beautiful and making a statement as THE national gardening magazine of New Zealand!" Natalie Lloyd
"Another great show this year. I have been twice before and I am very disappointed that it is going to Christchurch. I hope Auckland can organise another show. Congratulations to the organisers, a job well done. Will miss it in Auckland." Val Bristol
"Of course I am delighted that the Ellerslie Flower Show is moving south. Whilst I have enjoyed my times coming to Auckland, it will be a pleasant change to not to have to travel so far. Auckland traders must not be too disappointed at having to freight their exhibits to the South Island - some Christchurch exhibitors have been doing it for years! I am sur the "Garden City" will do us proud." Lois Buckley
"I am very sad the Ellerslie Flower show has moved to Christchurch. It was a great treat to visit every year. (I live in Rotorua). I was not able to attend this year as one of my daughters was ill. Very sorry to miss out on seeing all the exhibits, especially the night garden, and all the new plants etc. I think the show will lose out on visitors in Christchurch. There is such a large percentage of the population living in the central North Island and above." Sally Kelly
"John Banks has a lot to answer for!" Kate
"I just have to say I am extremely disappointed that the Ellerslie Flower Show is going to move to Christchurch. Having enjoyed the show in Auckland and also having been to Chelsea it has been the highlight for me for many years. I expect to travel to Christchurch will be prohibitive for me, being a pensioner, so sincerely hope that Auckland will stage another similar event within the next few years. Many thanks for such enjoyment over the years." Shona Wagstaff
"Good on Christchurch for securing the rights to host the show down south, not that I am biased (l have lived live in Wellington for 18 years but am originally from the South Island). While demographically on a numbers basis there is possible strong argument that retention in Auckland drives the $$$, I would venture to say that a far greater percentage of the population outside of Auckland has a "real interest in gardens/gardening and more so in the South Island. Not withstanding that Christchurch is a damn fine excuse to travel south (apart from the traffic logistics) to view such a show and I am sure that there will be numerous visitors who will tack on a trip beyond that as well to take in other gardens/attractions etc. So well done Christchurch for pitching and winning the tendering process - and you up-and-coming or established garden designers in the South Island, grab some limelight and show the country what you are capable of doing . The North Island folks don't have a mortgage over all the great/inspirational garden designs/ideas. We will be there!!" Paul and Angela Scholten
"I think it's great the Ellerslie Flower Show will be coming to Christchurch. I haven't been before, so now, living in Christchurch, I will have the opportunity. We have had garden shows in the past featuring mainly the sale of products and from what I've seen in the media, the Ellerslie Show features many garden displays. Looking forward to visiting. Hope the whole city gets behind it." Vivien Price
"I think both islands can host garden shows but wonder at the sale. Who actually sold it and what did they sell? Couldn't Auckland afford it? Couldn't Christchurch start up its own show from scratch without purchasing Ellerslie? I am surprised that Christchurch is thinking of holding theirs in autumn because Christchurch in spring is a glorious draw card. Garden tours could augment the show. However it would be good if the two shows were in different seasons.
I think they will have enough suppliers and exhibitors to make it a good show. As a Wellingtonian with family in both places I will definitely go to Christchurch. I went to Ellerslie a couple of times but found there were too many peripheral commercial stalls so haven't been recently and probably wouldn't bother again . If a smaller show arises I might.
I'm sure NZ will continue to have shows that do us great credit as a gardening nation." Patsy Williamson
"We'll be disappointed to see the show head South. It's a pity Hamilton didn't get it. However, in saying that, one has to say that the past couple of years the "flower" has gone out of the show and we have come away wondering what we really saw about gardens. There is so much retail, often not even garden orientated. Even though gardening has gone to smaller plots and low-maintenance designs, there was still nothing much exciting to show what you could do and I don't recall seeing anything native which was disappointing. The best bits were the beautiful garden around the New Zealand Gardener magazine stand and the Yates wonderful vege garden plot. A lot more areas like that would be great if we get another show to take it's place. We'll wait in anticipation." Wendy Gardiner
"Hurrah!!! Since retiring to the South Island in February 2004, we have been unable to attend the Ellerslie Flower Show - just too expensive for superannuitants to travel and also find accommodation. We are really looking forward to being able to view the show in Christchurch. I am sure the designers and exhibitors will adapt to the area, after all it is known as the "Garden City". I think it will make for an interesting and surprising change. The Mainlanders are very enthusiastic gardeners!" Ann Taylor
"I am very disappointed. For the last 2 years something out of my control has happened so I haven't been able to attend and I have been saying... 'I am going next year no matter what', but as I live North I won't be going to Christchurch. I love Christchurch but not for the Ellerslie Flower Show, that belongs to Auckland." Phyllis Hayward
"My thoughts on the subject are that two shows, one in each island, would be a good idea and would be supported with enough interest. A spring show in Christchurch,with their rhodos and roses etc, and an Auckland show later in summer to showcase the subtropicals." Virginia