December 19, 2025
The Ashburton Domain has been given four stars by national garden experts.
The New Zealand Gardens Trust awarded star ratings to 17 gardens across the country, with Ashburton’s 161 year-old domain recognised as a Garden of Significance.
Ashburton District Council community and open spaces group manager Toni Durham said the star rating system is “a bit like Michelin stars for top restaurants”.
“We are delighted that the domain has been recognised with four stars in our first assessment.
“It’s a testament to all the hard work done by our open spaces manager Ian Soper and his capable team, and we know our community already appreciates this green gem.”
Gardens are rated from three star Notable Gardens to six star Gardens of International Significance.
The only other garden in Canterbury recognised was Willow Springs, a 7 acre private garden in Christchurch, getting three stars.
Trust manager Victoria Read summarised the assessors findings on the Ashburton Domain that the four-star rating reflected the strength and consistency of its design and horticultural quality across the site.
“The garden displays a broad and well-considered range of species, including many notable heritage trees, alongside seasonal bedding that is true to the public park tradition and warmly appreciated by both locals and visitors.
“Recently developed features, including a new rose garden, are set to become a key attraction, while themed areas add interest and variety, with future opportunities for further integration across the wider landscape.
“Overall, the Domain is well maintained, thoughtfully designed, and continues to evolve as a significant and much-loved public garden.”
Durham said public parks were open to all and maintained as a council asset with succession planting for future generations.
“There’s a lot of responsibility in preserving our horticultural heritage and making sure public parks remain special places in the future.
“Plus we have to do it on a budget, which many private gardens don’t have to worry about.
“The assessor had some great feedback for us to enhance the space even more and now as a gardens trust member, we join other special gardens committed to promoting garden visiting and tourism, inspiring visitors and championing gardens as vital cultural spaces.”
By Jonathan Leask
The Ashburton Domain has been given four stars by national garden experts.
The New Zealand Gardens Trust awarded star ratings to 17 gardens across the country, with Ashburton’s 161 year-old domain recognised as a Garden of Significance.
Ashburton District Council community and open spaces group manager Toni Durham said the star rating system is “a bit like Michelin stars for top restaurants”.
“We are delighted that the domain has been recognised with four stars in our first assessment.
“It’s a testament to all the hard work done by our open spaces manager Ian Soper and his capable team, and we know our community already appreciates this green gem.”
Gardens are rated from three star Notable Gardens to six star Gardens of International Significance.
The only other garden in Canterbury recognised was Willow Springs, a 7 acre private garden in Christchurch, getting three stars.
Trust manager Victoria Read summarised the assessors findings on the Ashburton Domain that the four-star rating reflected the strength and consistency of its design and horticultural quality across the site.
“The garden displays a broad and well-considered range of species, including many notable heritage trees, alongside seasonal bedding that is true to the public park tradition and warmly appreciated by both locals and visitors.
“Recently developed features, including a new rose garden, are set to become a key attraction, while themed areas add interest and variety, with future opportunities for further integration across the wider landscape.
“Overall, the Domain is well maintained, thoughtfully designed, and continues to evolve as a significant and much-loved public garden.”
Durham said public parks were open to all and maintained as a council asset with succession planting for future generations.
“There’s a lot of responsibility in preserving our horticultural heritage and making sure public parks remain special places in the future.
“Plus we have to do it on a budget, which many private gardens don’t have to worry about.
“The assessor had some great feedback for us to enhance the space even more and now as a gardens trust member, we join other special gardens committed to promoting garden visiting and tourism, inspiring visitors and championing gardens as vital cultural spaces.”
By Jonathan Leask
