Planting seeds at Wellington’s public gardens
Agarden lives in the heart of the people – something parks manager David Sole knows well. And the city’s botanic gardens have been in the hearts of Wellingtonians for the last century and a half — this year marks the 150th anniversary of the facility’s formal opening.
‘‘It’s in [Wellingtonian’s] hearts and they all treat it as their own garden. There’s that sense of ownership here,’’ Sole says.
The feeling of ownership stretches back a long way — land for the gardens was first set aside in 1844. Twenty-four years later, the Wellington Botanic Gardens were formally established.
Today, 25 hectares of native flora, rose gardens and flourishing plant life covers the hills in the middle of a bustling capital.
In its early days, rows of pine trees dominated the garden, as part of trials to see what flora would thrive.
At the turn of the 20th century, unsuspecting visitors were forced to keep an eye out for monkeys escaping their cages – no doubt sighs of relief went up when the makeshift zoo was shifted to Newtown in 1906.
From the Lady Norwood Rose Garden’s opening in 1953 to the establishment of teaching gardens in the 1980s, generations of Wellingtonians and tourists alike have enjoyed exploring the gardens.
Sole says celebrations for the 150th anniversary will last more than a year, wrapping up in November 2019.
Everything begins today when school children, iwi and Wellington Mayor Justin Lester will sow flower seeds on Glenmore Lawn.
‘‘The seeds are symbolic of the preEuropean history of the city,’’ Sole says.
Over the next year, the gardens will be celebrated according to the season, with events in summer, autumn, winter and spring based on different themes.
First up is a look at the heritage of the gardens, with a Victorian picnic planned. Second is a focus on families and how they explore the gardens, followed by a more scientific look at conservation, as well as the economic history of the gardens.
For the final season, garden staff will look at where the site will go in the future.
Each season, a different photography competition will be run, so those with a camera can capture the best of the gardens.
Keep an eye on upcoming events through the garden’s Facebook page.