Gardens' golden blooms a temptation but best left for all to enjoy

The last days of winter in Christchurch are made glorious by the blooming of daffodils in city parks and private gardens, but anyone tempted to take away a bunch should know there are many people prepared to protect these public treasures.

Early bloomers are now breaking out and already City Council staff in the Botanic Gardens have been contacted about people seen crossing the line from enjoyment to plunder. In both cases, the callers noted down the offender's vehicle number plates and other identifying details.

With the information provided, staff tracked down the two offenders, one from outside the city, and both were reported to be genuinely remorseful. One had made their harvest near the netball courts, the other from the dell area near the hospital.

"There are signs up around the Gardens entrances reminding people that taking flowers is not allowed but we don't want to surround the dells with signs because we think it takes away from the natural look of the place," one staff member said.

"People need to know the daffodils are there for everyone to enjoy," he said. "They also need to know there's many many public-spirited people who just love this annual display and are prepared to go out of their way to identify and tell us about anyone breaking the rules."

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