Relax and be inspired
Wonderful vistas that connect you with nature and the rhythm of life, in a garden for all seasons!
Flaxmere has been named a Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand Garden Trust which is affiliated to the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and given the rating of 6 stars.
Over 50 years ago on a North Canterbury sheep farm, the garden at Flaxmere was established, boldly designed to frame breath taking mountain vistas, and create sense of tranquility with a series of ponds.
Situated near the Southern Alps, Flaxmere has developed into a stunning example of a garden that evolves with the seasons, splendid throughout the year.
This is a large country garden based on the principles of strong design, is completely in tune with the terraced riverbed country the garden is part of. Flaxmere's vistas have been described as 'art forms'.
Immense use of water creating a series of five ponds, gives a sense of enormous peace, and ensures wonderful bird life. Heavy old bridge timbers have been used and stone walls have been built over the years which add to the country style. This is a garden that has most things, naturalistic, formal, informal, extensive areas of New Zealand native plants, woodlands, roses, rhododendrons and water. A new dry garden which will have no water other than comes from the sky over the summer is under construction.
Visitors from around the world have been welcomed for many years.
Garden Tours
A garden that is breathtakingly bold in its design, Flaxmere reflects the change of seasons with each spelling its own magic.
Groups and Free Independent Travellers are welcome but bookings are essential. Morning and afternoon tea, plated lunches as well as guided tours with Penny Zino are available upon request.
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Spring
September - November
Thousands of daffodils and an abundance of flowering cherry trees, create the essence of spring. Masses of primula candelabra, rhododendrons, azaleas, tulips, blue bells, and clematis follow in October and November.
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Summer
December - February
Roses everywhere herald the summer and combined with the water irises and lilies make the garden look its unforgettable best in early December.
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Autumn
March - May
Flaxmere was planted with autumn colour in mind. Mid April - mid May is a blaze of reds, oranges and yellows, providing a flamboyant flourish before winter sets in.
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Winter
June - August
The bones of the garden become apparent, and it is Ikebana time. Set against the background of the snow covered Southern Alps it is Penny's favourite time. There is a peacefulness that belies a year's toil; and the garden is asleep.
“Flaxmere is one of those very rare gardens that achieves a perfect balance between diverse plantsmanship and convicted design. There’s interesting plants everywhere you look, but it’s clear that in every case, they serve the bigger purpose of creating a rhythmic opening and closing of magical garden spaces, and the framing of stupendous vistas.”
Michael McCoy - Landscape Designer writer and TV presenter of Austrailia
Accommodation at Flaxmere
A cottage is available for rent to those wishing to relax within the magical gardens of Flaxmere, or those wishing to have space to prepare for, and celebrate on that special day. We would love you to come and enjoy the absolute quietness of this beautiful part of the world to gain a sense of peace amongst the wonderful bird life.
