Pages

Followers

Nuffnang Space

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The Garden City

Guess which city in New Zealand is named the Garden City...personally, I think 90% the cities qualify. In fact, the whole country is a garden to me. However there is one particular city that has earned international recognition as the garden city. Well, if you haven't already guessed, the city  is Christchurch! It is named thus as it has been acknowledged as The Outstanding Garden City from 620 international entries in 1996. Wait, there's more. In the following year, Christchurch won the honour of being Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become...Garden City of the World!


When you see for yourself the huge parks and public gardens, tree-lined avenues, and the fantastic botanical gardens by the Avon River, you will understand how Christchurch won international fame.


Here, I would like to share with you the loveliness of Christchurch in springtime.



I just have to start with this incredibly beautiful countryside.You would think you are driving in a magical painting of the landscape. I'll be showing you more of this beautiful scenery when we leave the city. For now, let's head on to the city.






          

   

The Avon River





River of Dreams

i first saw you in my teens
in a magazine
i was enthralled
fell deeply in love
said i would seek you out
when i am able

now i'm able
i seek you, sweet Avon
and from the bridge above you
i am again enthralled
still deeply in love
like a teen again

just like in the picture I kept under my pillow
still guarding your banks are the loyal weeping willows 
they weep for joy, i'm sure
for you give only pleasure
to all who love you
sweet river of my dreams 

(For Thursday Poets' Rally)



Many trees are over 120 years old in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens









And as I promised you in the beginning, after we leave the city,I'll let you enjoy more scenic eye candy of the Governor's Bay area. From the hill-top cafe, the view is priceless.










Water

blue waters of bay
sympathetic and serene
calm our troubled thoughts


anticipation
 healing breath of tranquil sea
wash over psyche


(For Haiku Heights and Sensational Haiku Wednesday)

Linking to:
Weekend Reflections
Posted by at
Labels:

17 comments:

  1. LighthousegalSeptember 22, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Absolutely Beautiful Photos!!! The first one looks like a beautiful painting. The bridge shot is so inviting, stretching accross the water. The sail boats drifting peacefully along. The flowers in all their wonderous beauty. The mountain views and the large old trees are nature at it's best. All such beautiful sights captured on camera. Thanks for sharing them, they make me smile!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LSHSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    lovely haikus! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. eileeninmdSeptember 23, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    Wow, what a beautiful place! Thank you for the lovely tour. Your poem is lovely and the photos are great. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. kaykualaSeptember 23, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    Rosie,
    Beautiful photos.It takes great talents to spot scenic locations. Your haiku were just great. Thanks for sharing.

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  5. NankaSeptember 23, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    WOW!! Seems like God put in extra hours when he put Christchurch, New Zealand on the map!! Your Haiku is exquisite!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Nefarious XSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:10 AM

    Re: River of Dreams.

    I liked it. It was sweet and sentimental.
    I liked the the connections of dreams to youth in
    the poem.

    Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marbles in My PocketSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Another wonderful trip, Rosie. What a treat that you take us with you to see these awesome sights! The poem was wonderful, too! Love it!

    http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/in-the-blink-of-an-eye/

    ReplyDelete
  8. MarianeSeptember 23, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    Amazing series of photos ... I love to look at them. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  9. rebeccaSeptember 23, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    long ago i sailed into your beautiful island. oh how you stir the bright and cherished memories of my heart.
    thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ann LeFloreSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    You haiku is so wonderful and the images that go with it tell a wonderful story. The images are so beautiful to look at as you read the words behind them.
    http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/09/21/remember-the-years/

    ReplyDelete
  11. MaritSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    It sure looks like paradise! Love the photos and your poems!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Magical Mystical TeacherSeptember 23, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I agree with you: Water is one of the most calming elements on Earth.


    My Watery Haiku

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tatjana ParkachevaSeptember 24, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Very nice post.

    Regards and best wishes

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Orange TreeSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    love your rivers of dreams poem,
    your water Haiku is elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  15. MeriSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Gorgeous indeed, Rosie! And very enJOYable.

    ReplyDelete
  16. yulistya deySeptember 28, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    I can't believe what I see, The Avon River is just like a painting or a set in an RPG games!! Wow, but it is real.
    Your "River of Dreams" covers the longing to see the river and the nostalgic feeling that comes after see it. Beautiful. ^^
    Happy rally. ^^

    http://dhitermination.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/endless-fog/

    ReplyDelete
  17. The Poetry PalaceSeptember 30, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    divine imagery, you rocked on it.

    please comment to let us know after you are done returning favors and making a minimum 18 comments,

    Happy Rally.
    Thanks a ton for the beautiful entry and instant participation.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)