Upcoming opportunities from the Canterbury Horticultural Society
Make some botanically inspired art, learn how to diagnose plant bCreate a bud vase, botanical watercolour painting, platter or wreath or learn about bonsai or perennial borders at these October 2026 events.
Contact the Canterbury Horticultural Society (CHS) for more information on these and other upcoming opportunities [03 366 6937 or office(at)chsgardens.co.nz].
Botanical Watercolors - Intermediate
Spend a creative morning painting to deepen their skill and refine detail work with Kay Duncan. This workshop is designed for artists with some drawing or watercolour-painting experience and ideally (but not necessary) for those who have completed the Introductory Watercolour painting workshop.
Date: Sunday 4th October 2026.
Time: 10am to 1pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $125 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $145 for non-members.
Find out more about this botanical watercolour workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
Garden Life: What’s Wrong With My Plant and What do I do about it?
Find out how to determine the cause of a perceived problem with your plants with Dr. Matthew Cromey - former Senior Plant Pathologist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK.
This month's mini-speaker is Anna Wilkinson from Canterbury Hydrangeas.
Details:
- Tuesday 6th October 2026 (6 to 8pm) or
- Wednesday 7th October 2026 (1 to 3pm).
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: FREE for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $10 for non-members.
Find out more about this monthly talk, including how to register (Humanitix).
Garden Design course
Learn how great gardens are designed at this seven-session course. You will receive a thorough understanding of how successful gardens are planned and designed. You'll explore the key stages of the design process and learn how designers assess sites, develop concepts and create cohesive outdoor spaces.
Dates: Wednesdays from 14th October to 25th November 2026.
Time: 6.30 to 9pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $590 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $700 for non-members.
The final practical session of the course will be held on Saturday 29th November (10am to 4pm).
Find out more about this garden design course, including how to register (Humanitix).
An Embroidered Study in Stitch
Embroider a unique white camellia while celebrating its association with the New Zealand Suffrage movement during the Christchurch Heritage Festival.
This event will begin with a guided introduction to the Kate Sheppard Memorial Walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens - exploring the story of the white camellia and its enduring connection to New Zealand’s women’s suffrage movement.
Date: Saturday 17th October 2026.
Time: 10am to noon.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $55 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $70 for non-members.
Find out more about this Christchurch Heritage Festival workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
John Hall: Remembered in the Landscape
Learn about the legacy of Sir John Hall and Lady Rose Hall to New Zealand and at thier rural property Terrace Station in Hororata - from their great granddaughter Kate Foster.
Kate will touch on Sir John’s life in local and national politics, involvement with his Hororata community, and the church. One of John’s passions was tree planting and Kate will talk about how this impacted on the landscape, and what remains today.
Date: Saturday 17th October 2026.
Time: 2 to 4pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $5 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $10 for non-members.
Find out more about this Christchurch Heritage Festival talk, including how to register (Humanitix).
Green Man Tile
Create your own Green Man tile in this hands-on ceramic workshop with Jane McCulla. Sculpt foliage and features in clay, exploring ancient nature symbolism.
Your glazed and fired tile will be available for collection from the Kiosk approximately 2 3 weeks following the workshop.
Date: Thursday 22nd October 2026.
Time: 6 to 8.30pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $85 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $105 for non-members.
Find out more about this green man tile workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
Gardens, Bicycles and Bloomers: Dress Reform and Women's Freedom
Come along to Te Whare Waiutuutu | Kate Sheppard House for an engaging exploration of the Dress Reform Movement during the Christchurch Heritage Festival.
Through a presentation by Helen Osborne and a display of historical garments, discover how practical clothing transformed women's ability to garden, cycle, work, and participate more freely in public life.
Enjoy a traditional Devonshire morning tea after the talk in the beautiful surroundings and garden.
Date: Saturday 24th October 2026.
Time: 10am to noon.
Location: Kate Sheppard House (83 Clyde Road, Ilam).
Cost: $45 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $55 for non-members.
Find out more about this Christchurch Heritage Festival talk, including how to register (Humanitix).