The Woodland - Shelter on the plains
When the settlers first took up pastoralism on the Canterbury Plains there was no shelter for the flocks of sheep that would soon be covering the area. The two prevailing winds were the hot, dry nor’wester and the intense cold of the southerly. John Hall had experimental plots set out soon after his arrival.
The choice of trees was extremely important. They had to be able to withstand both heat and cold and survive in a low rainfall area. Hall eventually concluded that Pinus radiata was the best suited to the region. But he also enjoyed deciduous trees and the woodland plantation of 37 acres (14 hectares) not far from the homestead has mature oak, elm, ash and sycamore. Read more about John Hall and Tree Planting.
Today, visitors enjoy walking through the mature woodland. Kate Foster, a great granddaughter, with the help of friends and family members has been responsible for planting Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops), bluebells, hellebores and cyclamen along the woodland walks. Primroses and violets were planted by her ancestors and cover extensive areas.
This woodland can be enjoyed by visitors on Open Garden days.
The choice of trees was extremely important. They had to be able to withstand both heat and cold and survive in a low rainfall area. Hall eventually concluded that Pinus radiata was the best suited to the region. But he also enjoyed deciduous trees and the woodland plantation of 37 acres (14 hectares) not far from the homestead has mature oak, elm, ash and sycamore. Read more about John Hall and Tree Planting.
Today, visitors enjoy walking through the mature woodland. Kate Foster, a great granddaughter, with the help of friends and family members has been responsible for planting Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops), bluebells, hellebores and cyclamen along the woodland walks. Primroses and violets were planted by her ancestors and cover extensive areas.
This woodland can be enjoyed by visitors on Open Garden days.
