Ground for Ashburton Domain and Gardens was set aside in 1853 and planting of diverse exotics began in large scale from the 1870s [1]. This was a time when Sequoiadendron giganteum was a famed tree, and Canterbury and Otago in particular have strong representation of the tree in large homesteads and parks and gardens. It was generally known at the time as Wellingtonia. There is no information available on the exact year of planting, however an Ashburton Guardian article of 1923 describes them as 40 foot tall ‘monsters’ [2]. This and their current size – a circumference of 740cm at 1.4m for one of the largest – suggests a planting date of circa 1885. The planting is in a T pattern, with 12 across the top and 8 in a double avenue interspersed with other trees. As the photos show they are in excellent health, prospering in the Ashburton climate. The domain and gardens are a well-known feature of Ashburton, located very centrally with sports grounds also close by (Lloyd, M., 2024).

References
1. Ashburton District Council, 2013, Ashburton Domain and Gardens: Reserve Management Plan. (available online)
2. ‘Ashburton’s Domain’, Ashburton Guardian, 3 November, 1923, p. 7