Flaxmere
Photos

This is a garden that has most things, formal, informal, extensive area of New Zealand native plants, woodlands, roses, rhododendrons and water.

Imagine your special day in this secluded, romantic, country retreat. Flaxmere is an all in one venue where your ceremony and reception can be held. Your guests will walk down a quaint, brick pathway to your marquee.

The point of difference, are vistas described as art forms. Immense use of water creating a series of five ponds, gives a sense of enormous peace, and ensures wonderful bird life.

Over 45 years ago on a North Canterbury sheep farm, the garden at Flaxmere was established, boldly designed to frame breath taking mountain vistas, and create sense of tranquility with a series of ponds.

This is a large country garden based on the principals of strong design, which is completely in tune with the terraced riverbed country the garden is part of.

This is a garden that has most things, formal, informal, extensive area of New Zealand native plants, woodlands, roses, and rhododendrons.

"My canvas is my garden", which is why Penny has chosen to combine all the arts in one place, for Art in a Garden, an iconic event held every year in October, providing a magnificent bold backdrop for many of New Zealand's leading artists and sculptors. This event has something to delight the mind in every way. Music, poetry, art, sculpture, pottery, photography, and all in such a beautiful setting.

Peaceful, wonderful bird life, come and enjoy the absolute quietness of this beautiful part of the world.
The Garden
Flaxmere Garden is a garden for all seasons, and has been sculptured from very simple beginnings since 1966 . A spring fed creek inspired a vision that has lead to dreams being fulfilled.At 300 meters above sea level, close to the Southern Alps situated on terraced riverbed country, hot dry summers, cold winters and strong seasonal North West winds are normal.
This is a large country garden, based on the principles of strong design, which is completely in tune with the river bed country the garden is part of. The point of difference, are vistas that have been described as art forms. Immense use of water, creating a series of five ponds, gives a sense of enormous peace, and ensures wonderful bird life. Heavy old bridge timbers have been used and stone walls have been built over the years which add to the country style. This is a garden that has most things, formal, informal, woodland, natives, roses, rhododendrons and water. There is a large section of native plants indigenous to this area which is creating great interest View Map
The Gardener
Flaxmere is the creation of Penny Zino, who simply loves living amongst her trees and plants. The joy of every day is reflected in her passion for gardening and dreaming up the next project! She loves seeing people who share the same interest.Map
Garden Details
Flaxmere's Cottage is wonderfully set on the edge of a pond within the garden and presents:
2 bedrooms, with room to sleep 4
Open plan kitchen dinning and livingroom
Wood burner
Private bathroom
Sunny veranda with outside table and chairs
Flaxmere is close to superb fishing on the Hurunui River and is only 1 hour from Christchurch International Airport.
We would love you to come and enjoy the absolute quietness of this beautiful part of the world to gain a sense of peace amongst the wonderful bird life.
You are spoilt for choice for a location within the garden, different areas offering wonderful opportunities to create your own exclusive
It is a photographer’s dream, vistas of countryside complete with rustic gates, an arched bridge, brick pathways, stone walls and flowers to suit the seasons.
This is a venue where you can use all your creative talents to make this day your own, amongst Idyllic surroundings with stunning mountainous backdrops.
Whether it be a small intimate wedding or a large gathering, Flaxmere can cater for all occasions.
Art in a Garden is an annual exhibition held towards the end of October /beginning of November. This event celebrates the combination of NZ artworks in Flaxmere’s garden gallery and restored 1890 barn. This is considered to be the very best indoor/outdoor exhibition of its kind in the South Island. We have prided ourselves on the placement of sculptures within ethereal vistas, and paintings, pottery, glass & jewellery in the barn gallery. We aim for the very best environment possible to enhance inspiration enjoyment and sales.
Art in a garden has developed into a wonderful day out for not only art collectors but also families who wish to encourage their children to become involved in the creative world. We offer children’s classes in selected activities.
Live music and a streamside café add to our days and create a relaxed & unhurried feel.
Tickets can be purchased online in the months leading up to the event: www.artinagarden.co.nz