Spiritual species feature in gardens walk

10 July 2008

Plants considered sacred by many cultures will be the focus of this month’s guided walk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. 

The free tour will be led by gardens’ information centre representative, Charlotte McHaffie, meeting outside Cuningham Conservatory on Tuesday, 15 July at 12.10pm. 

Ms McHaffie said the tour would explore why certain plants were considered sacred, whether it be due to their appearance, poison, great age, or their ability to nourish or heal people. 

Participants will learn why the lotus flower is symbolic to Hindus and Buddhists, how tea was used by sages to create mindfulness, and the importance of the yew tree to ancient Celts as it symbolised both death and immortality. 

The ginkgo, rata and pohutukawa trees and sacred basil will also feature in the tour.

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