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Immerse yourself in New Zealand forest - right in the heart of Whangarei
City. Discover the country's largest public collection of native
ferns. The Filmy Fernhouse is a purpose built adobe-brick haven for the
delicate displays of sub-tropical plants. Check out the zany Cactus House
for an awesome prickly experience!
Snow Conservatory
Open lOam to 4pm
daily
Admission
free
On the edge of Cafler Park (with which it is linked by a footbridge), at the city end of First
Ave the Snow Conservatory is open each day from 10am to 4pm. Adequate
parking, including three parking spaces for wheelchaired visitors, is
available close by in First Ave.
The Conservatory contains tropical plants and vibrant
flower displays. Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy the
well labelled colourful collection of plants. Those less inclined toward
horticulture will enjoy the simple beauty and peace of the place from the
comfort of adequate seating. Children will love the goldfish.
The conservatory, maintained by
the Whangarei District Council, was opened in 1970 and commemorates the
outstanding community service of Stanley John Snow, who served for many years as
a city councillor, deputy mayor, and chairperson of the Parks and Reserves
Committee.
Orchids, cyclamen and begonias
are featured according to the season. The cactus collection of the late Jim Muir
is included among the exhibits. The Conservatory links directly with the
fernery, and both may be hired for appropriate functions.
Margie Maddren
Fernery
Open lOam to
4pm
Admission
free
Said to be the largest public collection of
N.Z. native ferns, the Margie Maddren Fernery was completed in 1986 by
the Whangarei branch of the Native Forest and Bird Protection Society in time
for the 50th anniversary of the Society, and subsequently gifted to the
City.
The structure and layout was designed by
Bruce Reid, then City Council landscape architect. Construction centered around
a Labour Department work project supported by considerable voluntary work by the
society’s members.
The collection contains over eighty species
of native fern and is well-labelled. An appropriately cool environment is
established through the imaginative and appropriate use of waterfalls and pools.
The fernery is being constantly added to as more specimens are
established.
The name of the fernery acknowledges the dedicated
service of Margie Maddren to the Native Forest and Bird Protection Society in
Whangarei. The fernery can be hired for appropriate
functions.
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