One of the oldest Botanic Gardens, Timaru will surprise you with the depth and excellence of its collections as diverse as Australian plants, conifers and rose species. A border containing the native plants of the Canterbury region is of special note. Endangered plants from around the world can be seen in part of the conservatory complex. A fern house is adjacent.
Perhaps the most striking visual feature of the Timaru Botanic Garden is the display of bedding seen on arrival at the main entranceway but there is much beauty in the trees that are planted throughout the garden. In the centre there is a large stretch of water in the form of two ponds where water fowl abound. A herb garden, formal rose garden and a woodland garden with collections of maples and camellias are of note.
A display and information centre run by volunteers is remarkable for its scope and interest. Commencing at the main entrance in Queen Street a driveway takes the visitor on a tour through the garden exiting at Domain Avenue.Timaru Botanic Garden is open every day of the year from 8am until dusk with vehicle access from Queens Street.