Friends Fundraising Open Garden 2026

Join the Friends of the Arts Centre for a special visit to the Blue House Amberley, a beautifully maintained garden in North Canterbury. 

Started in 2013, this is a garden where strong design and a plantswoman’s passion go hand in hand. Wide grass paths take you from intimate and cool shade gardens to sweeps of tussocks and prairie flowers.

Wander through Mediterranean inspired gravel gardens and generous sunny borders filled with unusual and difficult to source perennials. There is a vineyard and charming and productive vegetable garden. Tiny paths meander through arched hedges and down to the creek. 

A map and information are provided about the owners' garden philosophy, which has been honed in the difficult North Canterbury climate. This includes no-dig, bare rooting, limited feeding and encouragement of mycorrhizal fungi. 

The owners will be available throughout the event, and can provide information about work in the garden, gardening tips and botanical information. Tours of the garden will be self-guided using the map.

Light refreshments are available to purchase. 

Entry tickets $35 with all proceeds going to Arts Centre projects supported by the Friends of the Arts Centre. Tickets are also available on the door (cash/EFTPOS). Entry time is flexible from 11.00am onwards, but last admission is at 2.15pm.

A ticket makes a lovely pre-Christmas present for friends or family.

You are also most welcome to bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy, as there is plenty of seating, and toilets are available. There is plenty of free parking. Detailed directions and parking information will be provided to ticketholders prior to the event.

Accessibility: There is no wheelchair access, sorry.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome on a leash. 

The garden is normally only open to the public by booked appointment. Many thanks to Jenny Cooper and Chris Raateland for opening their garden especially in support of the Friends of the Arts Centre.

Address: Blue House Amberley, 35 Willowside Place, Amberley 7410

Directions driving from Christchurch

Amberley is 45 minutes away from the central city. Take State Highway 1 North out of Christchurch (heading for Picton) for 40km.

Once in Amberley, turn left onto Douglas Road, signposted for Inland Scenic Route 72. Follow Douglas Road for 1km. Turn right on Willowside Place, the Blue House Amberley is located 400 metres along on the left at number 35. 

Parking - Please park on the street, do not drive in. There are three parks in the roundabout just opposite the gate. There is also plenty of parking after the garden entrance.

CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER: If the weather is adverse on the day, the plan is to continue with the event as there are sheltered spaces.