City Scene - 16

There's always something happening in Christchurch's Hagley Park.

I visit regularly and I'm always surprised by something new.

This bright, inflatible clown propped against one of the giant pines was no exception.

City Scene - 12

Christchurch's Hagley Park is one of the loveliest city parks in all of New Zealand. Its 186 hectares sit smack in the middle of the city, providing a giant playground for the locals. I spend an enormous amount of time in there with my camera - in all seasons - photographing everything from trees and flowers to the people and the activities that go on there. It's a wonderful photographic resource to have 'on your back doorstep.'

A Nature Study

Seed Heads

Hagley Park

Christchurch

I photographed these plants a few weeks ago When they were in full flower But I like them better as spikey seed heads Covered in morning dew drops October 2010. Ajr

Summer Green

Christchurch Botanic Gardens. October 2009.

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times - Christchurch Botanic Gardens and greater Hagley Park are one of the best things about this city. No matter what the time of year, they are a photographer's paradise. I love following the seasons in the gardens and when spring arrives - and it finally seems to have - everything turns the most incredibly vibrant shade of bright lime green. This laneway bordered by gigantic elms is one of my favourite spots in the gardens; the Archery Lawn, where the girls are picnicking is another.

The First Day of Spring

I do believe today is official the first day of spring

Always a visual overdose in Christchurch.

Here? Some scenes from Hagley Park

That wonderful 185-hectare green oasis in the heart of the city

Winter Green

Hagley Park, Christchurch. August 2008. Ajr

Hopefully this is one of the last

Chilly winter landscapes that I will post

For this year

Red Car Day

Near Hagley Park, Christchurch. Sept.2008. Ajr

Sometimes it just happens like that!

Spring Has Sprung

Hagley Park, Christchurch. Top. Local Florist. Sept.2008. Ajr

Hagley Park was awash with visitors on the weekend.

As temperatures soared to around 20-degrees every man and his dog was out walking among, admiring and photographing the daffodils, which have just begun spreading a blush of yellow through the park. I meanwhile have been grinding my teeth in frustration as I endured the last two days with no Internet service. Some of you may have noticed the lack of regular postings - I hope you weren't tempted to think I had become moderate!

An Empty Seat

Hagley Park, Christchurch. August 2008. Ajr

I find something particularly beautiful

Haunting almost

About an empty park bench

If You Go Down To The Park Today.....

Hagley Park. August 2008. Ajr I might have been the first person in Hagley Park this morning. I'm not sure if that is something to boast about or not. But I did enjoy the total silence And the first signs of spring.