Designer gardens at next year's Ellerslie Show already outnumber those
in Auckland
The number of confirmed exhibition gardens for Christchurch's first
Ellerslie International Flower Show has already exceeded the number
featured at the last Auckland-based Show.
"Nine months out from the Show we have already signed up 12 feature
exhibition gardens. This is more than the total number we had in
Auckland for the last Show in 2007," says Ellerslie Exhibition Manager
Kate Hillier.
Details of these gardens will be released during the next couple of
months but include world-renowned designers.
"The response from exhibitors for next year's Ellerslie International
Flower Show has been phenomenal. It has meant we are struggling to
accommodate the high interest for the first Christchurch-hosted Show."
The Hort Galore marquee is already "full and bursting at the seams", she
says.
"The interest from horticultural clubs and societies to be involved in
Ellerslie has been overwhelming - it is fantastic."
Ms Hillier says while interest from South Island garden designers has
been strong, there has also been good interest from North Island
designers looking to continue their long association with Ellerslie.
"Designers recognise the value and importance of Ellerslie in helping to
promote their national and international profile and develop their
career."
Ellerslie International Flower Show Managing Director Dave Mee says the
first Christchurch-hosted Show is shaping up to the best yet.
"There is real excitement nationally and internationally about the
change in venue, change in city and the energy from Christchurch to
create a world-class event - a Show which will be recognised as one of
the top five garden shows of the world," he says.
"With all the changes, the horticulture industry has been reenergised
for Ellerslie 2009 and is excited about the programme of other
activities Christchurch is developing to support the Show.
"We were overwhelmed at the recent Chelsea Flower Show with the number
of international garden designers endorsing Ellerslie's move to the
South Island," Mr Mee says.
"Christchurch really is going to be the place to be in March 2009."
ends