Bannerman Park
★★★★★
Bannerman Park dates from the 1870s but the little valley was full of gorse and broom until cleared in the 1960s. Extensive plantings of rhododendrons, conifers and silver birches were established at that time and 20 years later the creek beds were developed with bog plants. Since then herbaceous and woodland subjects have been added.
Early spring is announced by daffodils, meconopsis, camellias, cherries and magnolias. There are large beds of species rhododendrons-R. yunnanense, R. decorum and R. spinuliferum all grown from seed gathered in the wilds of Yunnan Province in China.
In November the streams and ponds are lush with gunneras, hostas, irises and candelabra primulas along with native ferns, astelias and Chatham Island forget-me-nots. As the season progresses peonies, daylilies and ajuga add to the effect.
There is a brilliant display of autumn colour provided by the many deciduous trees and under these hellebores bloom in winter. Most of the trees in the park are named. The spring time display of candelabra primulas at Bannerman Park is probably the best in the country.
Bannerman Park has had a long association with the genus rhododendron and hosts other rhododendron species of wild origin making its collection important in a global conservation context. bannerman Park also has a notable collection of Hostas.
Facilities and Amenities
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Open every day
Free entry
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The gardens are located in the centre of Gore
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Physical Address: 482 Crewe St, Gore
Phone: 03 2090330
Email: info@goredc.govt.nz
Website: http://goredc.govt.nz
