Wetherstons Brewery daffodil reserve and its groups of daffodils have burst into life and officially opened yesterday.
Difficulties this year had made the opening of the semi-wild garden near Lawrence uncertain, but Weatherstons Brewery and Daffodils Trust trustee Quentin Currall said people from as far afield as Queenstown and Mosgiel, touched by the daffodils’ plight, had pitched in to make it possible.
"It’s our simple purpose to provide a site for four to five weeks so the public can enjoy the daffodils," he said.
"Adults and children are fascinated by the ruins, woodland, steps and waterfall, and anybody with a camera can snap a spectacular cameo of flowers with historical backdrops along with a picnic in sheltered, peaceful grounds."
The reserve began as a family brewery in 1863 following the Otago gold rush, and one of its owners soon had 10ha of gardens planted around the area.
The brewery was bought out and shut down by competitors in 1923 but the rhododendrons and descendants of more than 2 million bulbs of 50 varieties remain at the heritage site.
The reserve opened yesterday and will be open 10am to 4pm Friday to Sunday with a small gate fee.
"It’s possible this September might be the biggest ever with the new Clutha Gold rail trail visitors," Mr Currall said.
"When I’ve managed the gate in previous years I’ve seen people dropping by for the first time and people coming back from previous years but I’m sure nobody stays for less than two hours."
— Nick Brook
