Ilam Gardens – 25th October 2017
Trip Guide: Liz
Trip Report: Diana
On Wednesday the 25th October Liz led 11 members of the Nature Photography Society to the Ilam Gardens. This trip could have had several headings, ‘Ode to Spring’, ‘Spring’s fragrances’, ‘Fun with plants’, ad infinitum. Ilam Homestead burnt down in 1910 and was rebuilt by Edgar Stead, a distinguished ornithologist. He established the wonderful Azalea and Rhododendron gardens. When he sold Ilam to Canterbury College in 1950 he requested that the gardens be maintained in perpetuity.
A lovely walk with all kinds of trees, Rhododendrons and Azaleas, the last of the Bluebells, little bridges over creeks with reflections, no eels to be seen this time. Many Himalayan Lilies have been planted under the trees and will be in flower during November – December. We met many other walkers enjoying this wonderful little park with gardens.
We adjourned to The Preservatory Cafe in Waimari Road for coffee afterwards.
Thank you Liz for a very fragrant walk.
To view further images please visit Flickr
