There are a number of picturesque gardens dotted around the Garden City which are well worth a visit. These parks are ideal for having a picnic, walking your dog or as a venue for your wedding or civil union.

Edmonds Factory Gardens

Thomas Edmonds, the manufacturer of the famous brand of baking powder, commissioned this garden around his new factory, built-in 1923.

The garden and factory, which feature on the cover of the best-selling Edmonds Cookery Book, have been a horticultural delight for generations of visitors and residents of the city. The gardens have won many awards in civic beautifying competitions and are a popular site for outdoor weddings and photography

The garden features enclosed areas with an emphasis on low maintenance, featuring permanent plantings of evergreen shrubs and dwarf conifers. There are pretty water features, pebbly paths to explore, a rose garden and information boards for those interested in the history of the gardens.

Abberley Park

Abberley Park has its origins as a private garden, with the earliest trees dating from the 1860s. The early homestead no longer stands but the parkland-style gardens retain much of their original 19th-century character.

There is a children’s playground, well-used for generations by families in the area, as well as lawns, meandering streamside pathways, extensive plantings of shrubs, plenty of seating and a charming fountain. The City Council is currently re-developing the scented garden, which was New Zealand's first specialised garden for the visually impaired.

Millbrook Reserve

Millbrook Reserve was once a part of well known Christchurch architect Heathcote Helmore’s estate. It was administered by various garden clubs and trusts for many years before it was handed over to the City Council in the late 1950s.

This peaceful and beautifully landscaped garden features two of the tallest trees in the city (a cedar and a eucalyptus) and a lovely native bush walk. Plantings of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias provide a spring spectacle.

Other Christchurch heritage parks worth a visit include Avebury Park in Richmond, Risingholme Park in Opawa and Woodham Park.

Edmonds Factory Gardens

In the past, gardeners have been employed full-time to maintain the gardens. The garden is now well supported by the local community and a dedicated group is known as friends of the Edmonds Factory Garden works with the City Council to care for the garden. The Friends look after the rose garden and scented garden, weeding, pruning, running working bees and fundraising. The City Council looks after the rest of the garden.

Edmonds Factory Garden 7,934 square metres Abberley Park 18,000 square metres

These gardens have won many awards in civic beautifying competitions and are a popular site for outdoor wedding photography. For weddings phone Christchurch City Council, Leisure and Parks Customer Call Centre, Civic Office, 03 941 8999. If you wish to use these garden for photographs it is free but you still need to book. We advise all wedding and civil union ceremony and photo session parties to book alternative back-up wet weather venues.