Christchurch in spring

Due to broken or cracked ribs, my spring was somewhat different from what I had planned. Tennis and gardening had to be put on hold, but this meant more time for walks alone or with friends. It was a chance to rediscover this wonderful place I call home.

Just 30 minutes walk away is the magnificent Ilam Gardens. In previous years I seem to have missed the absolutely fabulous azalea and rhododendrum blooms. With such tranquil settings, the little stream weaving its way through native bush and European plantings along with the dulcet sounds of the bellbirds, it was a small oasis just next door to the uni and minutes from the city. A special place indeed.

In the city itself, we are lucky enough to have Hagley Park, and to one side the area known as ' Little Hagley', one of my favourite corners of the park, especially on hot days.

My garden looked gorgeous too, despite the building going on next door. My cherry blossom was stunning and filled me with such positive thoughts as I opened my curtains in the morning.

I continue to explore Christchurch with my very close friend Kate. Both of us have been away a lot so it is great to have someone with me who so enjoys rediscovering the city. I have mentioned the walk by Sumner beach before, but it is a place which can look different every time you visit. It was such a perfect day as we walked past poor old Shag Rock which was destroyed by the 2011 earthquake.

What a wonderful picnic spot we had! Hardly a breath of wind, vibrant colours of flowers, rocks, sand, sea and sky!

The variety of plants growing by the beaches is extraordinary. There is a micro- climate out at Sumner, so here you see plants not otherwise seen in central city. The colours were so vivid.

Dropping Kate home, I could not resist a stop to photograph the glorious wisteria which forms one of the most beautiful and fragrant arches imagineable at the entrance to her quiet cul de sac. A veritable haven only metres from one of Christchurch's busiest roads.

My week of cat- sitting was fabulous. Mog, the amazingly affectionate, quite plump ginger and white cat, was happy to spend evenings on my lap and nights on my feet. He is pretty heavy but so irresistible. He even jumps up and drapes himself around your neck. He adores his cat treats which he can quickly shake out of his little roly poly cat toy.

It was chilly while I was at Maureen's home. Pity, as the garden is gorgeous to sit in. We even had some incredible hail storms and snow in the hills andmountains.

Then, suddenly a change back to warmer weather and beautiful clear blue skies. Armistice day, the eleventh hour, day and month of 1918 was commemorated with this magnificently moving square of crosses followed by an equally poignant service with church bells ringing 100 times and cheers ringing out over the city to mark the moment the world would have cheered the news of peace. It was a ceremony I did not wish to miss despite having no known relatives amongst the troops who ' gave up their today for our tomorrow'.

As I headed to the ceremony I passed the art gallery with its very eye- catching hand on the roof. Rather weird but particularly stunning set against the bluest skies.

I cannot count how many times I have wandered through our fantastic Botanical Gardens. I so love them and they change so quickly. The paradise ducks with their oh so cute ducklings are my favourites. This little family were so lovely. I love the way the ducklings can suddenly sink to the ground exhausted, stretch out the back leg and shut their eyes, even with hoards of admirers around them.

The gardens everywhere are a picture and the scent from the roses almost overwhelming.

It is so exciting to see the city I love so much come back to life. The Sunday Arts and Crafts Market and foodstalls is back, along with ever changing art displays. I loved this one by Canterbury artists, but the dog did not seem to share my enthusiasm.

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Yesterday, I found an area of the Gardens I had not visited before. So serene, so beautiful.


Today Kate and  I went  to Travis Swamp, one of my very favourite, yet lesser known spot in Christchurch. Here we thoroughly enjoyed this fast- regenerating wetland area of Christchurch. Wow, it was wonderful with all the native planting, the views and the very special wispy clouds. The last time I visited the swamp area was after dry weather. This time the heavy rain last week had certainly added significantly to the water level and how lush it all was. The spring flax with its red flowers, seen in the photo below, looked spectacular against the blue sky. 

Our last stop waa the pier at Brighton. It was probably the first time I have walked along the pier with a hat on! Usually, this would not be possible, but today it was so still there was no danger of my hat blowing off. It was fabulous.