‘A Garden for Christchurch’ wins GOLD at the Ellerslie International Flower Show

Xanthe White with Daltons GM, Colin Parker, and supreme award for construction.

There have been huge celebrations as Xanthe White’s creation, ‘A garden for Christchurch’ at Ellerslie International Flower Show 2012, was awarded Gold and also won Best Overall Garden Construction. Daltons are delighted for Xanthe, it is a fantastic result and it’s been great to see the garden come to life and reflect her vision of creating an inspiring garden for Christchurch. We are very proud to be a part of that. This year Xanthe was one of four top New Zealand designers to be selected to exhibit in the exclusive Gold medal gardens, site GM1 (only open to previous gold award winners) and challenged to ‘create an inner city garden for Christchurch’. Commenting on the win, Xanthe said, “I feel honoured to have created something for Christchurch and the brief we were given struck a real chord with me as we were preparing for show last year when the earthquake struck. To have won gold makes it even more special.” This is the third time Daltons have sponsored Xanthe White at the Ellerslie International Flower Show. Previously they sponsored her 2003 ‘Kiwi Backyard’ garden which won Silver, and in 2004 the People’s Choice award for her garden, ‘Having it all with Daltons’. In total Xanthe has been involved in 4 different shows at Ellerslie and has won the ‘supreme award for design’. She has also exhibited at Chelsea International Flower Show, winning a Silver Gilt award in 2005 and Silver in 2011.

For progress reports and photos visit Facebook. For a complete plant list view a copy of the show brochure here.

Daltons are passionate supporters of the NZ horticulture industry and are delighted to be part of this garden, which highlights NZ”s great plant breeders, nurseries and quality landscape design. As their relationship with Xanthe White dates back to 2003, they knew Xanthe’s garden at this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show would be something beautiful, considered and unique.

Once again, Xanthe has come up with something that is original and inspiring, yet attainable. Daltons are proud to present “A Garden for Christchurch”.

“When we look at rebuilding a city it is not a matter of choosing one path.
They need to provide a place for us to look to the horizon, as well as a sanctuary in which to retreat from the challenges of life.

This duality is the centre of the design for this garden which works to use passive design to create a garden that is sustainable and contemporary, but also celebrates the horticultural heritage of Canterbury. The space is divided into two areas; one which is open, bold and outward looking, and the other sunken garden which is intimate and enclosed. These spaces also provide a contrast in passively heating and cooling spaces that can be moved between as the seasons change.

The simplicity of the locally sourced stone used in different forms through the design embraces contemporary design principles, while the complex and diverse selection of plant materials celebrates Christchurch’s heritage as our garden capitol.”