Plenty of entries in Shirley-Papanui annual garden awards

On Monday the Shirley-Papanui Community Board, in association with the Christchurch Beautifying Association, held their annual Community Pride Garden awards.

The first awards were held across the city in 1997 and this year more than 155 awards were given out in the Shirley-Papanui ward. A community board member from each ward travels through every street to assess street-front gardens across the city.

Shirley-Papanui winners included Reg and Shirley Williams of Casebrook who clearly put many hours of effort into their garden.

The Christchurch Beautifying Association said the awards were one way of recognising the time and effort people put into their gardens, something that brought pleasure to the gardener and the general public alike.

Ward councillor Pauline Cotter described the awards as “inspiring”.

"We were treated to a wonderful talk by avid gardener Robin Kilty, who supported her topic of 'Small Gardens' with some wonderful examples around the world. Throughout the presentations of certificates there were photos of the many glorious local gardens,” she said.

Among other recipients was June Honey, who received her award for her Papanui garden for the 19th year, to a huge round of well-deserved applause.

“The Community Pride Garden awards recognise the immense value to Christchurch City the 'Garden City', of the people who create these beautiful street frontages and enhance our public spaces. It reinforces a sense of pride in one’s garden and of course the wider city," said Peter Berry, Chair of the Christchurch Streets and Garden Awards Committee. This is made up of a representative from each of the community boards and two from the Christchurch Beautifying Association.

Shirley Papanui Community Board Chair, Mike Davidson agreed.

"Our Board is proud to support these awards and would also encourage as many residents as possible to get involved," he said.

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