The Fernery at Monavale

Just when I thought that the only 'true' fernery that existed in Christchurch was that at the botanic garden I stumbled over a cracker in the suburbs. Monavale is an old stately home and garden which has been acquired by the council and is now a park open to the public. It is located in the suburb of Riccarton and straddles the bank of the Avon river. Even upon visiting I had no idea that there was a fernery here but I should have known better, as this garden was created in true 'mock Victorian' style with rose gardens, formal water lilly / fish pond etc so a fernery is absolutely essential.

Here is a brief tour of the fernery which is planted mainly with native species plus the odd Australian for good measure. This picture below shows the main entrance which is particularly robust and resembles the entrance to a maximum security prison rather than a Victorian fernery!

The fernery is made of solid brick walls with a wooden strut roof covered in shade cloth. On a dreary winter's day like this it makes photography awkward but during summer will undoubtedly provide the perfect balance of shade and shelter.

This Cyathea dealbata below is looking very happy and displaying those silvery frond bases very nicely.