Hagley Park + Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, were founded in 1863^[1] when an English oak was planted to commemorate the solemnisation of the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

 51 acres of bliss

On our walk toward the gardens, we stumbled on this:

Watch out, players, these courts have an edge. Are the rules different?

Sister Holly won the US Easter tourney (well, the family Easter tourney, though truth be told they can get a bit competitive).

 

Sequoia

 Art for scale...

An elegant conservatory stands at the head of...

...the Central Rose Garden

Walking its paths was dreamy, autumn roses the sweetest in my book.

Noble support

Rosa Absolutely Fabulous

Art liked the density of the surrounding hedge, which he could lean on.

What an inspiring walk. Time for a flat white at the visitor center cafe, perfectly sited near, but not too near, the edge of the park where it meets the city.

The cafe

Chocolate mint mousse jar. Hmmm.

Looks just right and tastes even better. Art's the best mousse-maker I know, and it rivaled his.

A portion of the visitor center/cafe is occupied by the plant nursery, with automatic shades that drop down on sunny days to protect tender starts.

Aflame in autumn. Excuse me, please. I'm having a hydrangea moment.

It's raining, it's pouring. After crossing into the city and glimpsing some art on the YMCA we scurry back to our motel laundry.