Christchurch's Enchanted Garden takes root in new spot

Flamboyant costume designer Jenny Gillies’ popular Enchanted Garden exhibition is taking root in the Botanic Gardens' old information centre.

Designer Jenny Gillies carts part of her Enchanted Garden exhibition to its new home in the former information centre in the Botanic Gardens. Photo: Neil Macbeth.

The exhibition has been located for most of the past three years in the neighbouring Tea Kiosk, but the Canterbury Horticultural Society has taken over the lease on that building.

Ms Gillies says the move to the old information centre has created some fantastic opportunities for the exhibition and allowed her to introduce some new elements, including giant poppies and a potting shed.

“The mirrored walls reflect the lake and David McCracken's Diminish and Ascend sculpture, adding to the sensory experience within the exhibition,” she says.

“The new ‘potting shed’ is in a separate area and there’s enough room that I can make costumes in situ as well.”

Ms Gillies’ costumes have been featured both nationally and internationally in exhibitions and live performances promoting Christchurch as the Garden City. Beauty, humour and an abundance of colour are showcased in her works, which change seasonally, as the flora in the gardens does.

“We are so pleased to be able to stay in the gardens, where people can head to see the ‘real thing’ after visiting us,” Ms Gillies say.

Enchanted Garden will reopen its doors on Thursday, 28 February. The exhibition is open daily, 10am to 4pm.