"Elmwood" Papanui Road, Christchurch - Gardens

[Tgapitbull]

Can anybody assist or direct me to where I might find information on the gardens of "Elmwood", Papanui Road, Christchurch.

Robert Heaton Rhodes built the original homestead, "Elmwood".  He returned to England around 1874.  James R Lysaght leased the property from around 1874 - 1876 when he moved to Hawera. 

During the period 1874 - 1876 William Henry Napier was engaged as gardener by James Lysaght.  William H Napier was a member of the Christchurch Horticultural Society - he both exhibited and was a Judge.

The original homestead was destroyed by fire in 1882 and rebuilt in 1884.  I understand that this is where Heaton school is now located.

I have seen various information about the Rhodes family on the internet.

I am particularly interested in information/photos on the gardens of the original "Elmswood" homestead during 1874-1876.

WNW

[jaybelnz]

Hi Wendy!  This might help!

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/photos/disc6/img0022.asp

[Tgapitbull]

Thanks Jaybelnz.
I note that this photo is of the second "Elmwood" homestead c 1899.
I will try the Christchurch City Library to see if they have an early photo/information.

Thanks again.

WNW

[jaybelnz]

Duh!   😱 
Sorry, of course you wanted the first homestead!  My bad!

Hope you manage to get something from the Christchurch City Library!  Good Luck - I hope they'll have something for you, or at least be able to point you in the right direction!

[Tgapitbull]

Never mind!  I appreciated the posting.
Will be interesting to see if the Christchurch City Library are able to come back with any info/photos.

Thanks again
WNW

[Tgapitbull]

The Christchurch City Library has provided me with some information on the grounds/garden of "Elmwood", although for a slightly later period than I was interested in.
I have also approached the Canterbury Horticultural Society.
Thanks Jaybelnz for your assistance.

WNW

[jaybelnz]

You're welcome Wendy!  Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Hopefully the Chch Horticultural Soc. will come up with something for you! 👍

Modified to add - Have you thought of perhaps being able to find something in Papers Past??

I found this, but unfortunately, it's 1905.  I'm not very hot on P.P. searching, but you might have more luck than me.

 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19050427.2.45?query=captain