3 Aug 2016

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It might not seem like it in this week’s wet, wintry weather, but spring has come early to the Botanic Gardens.

A Campbell’s Magnolia tree has burst into flower weeks earlier than usual at the West Bridge of the Gardens, near the Riccarton Avenue Carpark. Botanic Gardens Park Ranger Brian Appleton said the tree usually bloomed in mid-August. “You used to be able to put a ring around the 14th of August, it’s pretty constant around that date, but this year it started flowering at the end of July.”

The tree, which he believes was planted in the 1940s, is close to the river and has azaleas around its base which might have helped protect it from the cold. “It’s just established itself and it’s quite happy.”

Mr Appleton said it had been a very dry, mild winter in the Gardens so far, with few frosts. That had helped keep the Gardens busy with visitors during the winter months.

Late frosts, snow and strong winds could damage the magnolia’s impressive flowers, but he was hopeful it would still look beautiful for several more weeks. “It’s looking really good at the moment and the rain won’t do it any harm.” The tree is one of the largest magnolias in the Gardens and none of the others are in flower yet.

After the current cold snap passes, spring daffodils in the Gardens could be a welcome sight. Mr Appleton said the Daffodil Woodland area was looking promising with signs that flowers would be “breaking through” by late August or early September.

According to MetService, showers and sleet will last for the next few days with snow possible on Friday and Saturday. However a mostly fine, frosty day is forecast for Sunday.