There’s never been a better time for people to find out more about the delights of the Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Lakes District Council parks manager Gordon Bailey said.

 

The gardens are looking particularly lush at the moment and with consultation about the draft gardens management plan underway, Mr Bailey is taking the opportunity to show people a different side of the much loved recreational area with a series of lunch-time gardening tours.

 

“I’ll be taking groups for half hour guided tours around the gardens, looking at the highlights of this season’s planting as well as some hidden treasures that people might not normally notice,” he said.

 

“The tours will concentrate on the plants, especially what’s currently in or about to bloom like rhododendrons, roses and peonies. I’ll also be talking a bit about plant history and giving tips on growing.”

 

Mr Bailey said the tours are a chance to celebrate the handiwork of the hardworking council horticulture team as well as giving the public a closer look at the gardens before submissions on the management plan for the reserve close on the 26 November.

 

“It’s an opportunity, not just for keen gardeners but for everyone to come along and take a closer look at what we do, what we plant and the reasons behind it,” said Mr Bailey. “Hopefully everyone will walk away with some useful information and some new favourite places in the gardens.”

 

The “Gardening with Gordon” tours will take place from 12pm-12.30 on Tuesday 2 November, 2010 and Thursday 4 November, 2010. Meet at the band rotunda in the Queenstown Gardens five minutes before the tour start time. Bookings are not required.

 

ENDS

 

For further information, please contact QLDC communications officer Jo Blick on 03 441 0499

By: Jo Blick