Grand Opening of Silverstream’s East Side

by Jack Lin | Sep 11, 2020 | Silverstream News

VIPs applauding the cutting of the ribbon at the opening of Silverstream Boulevard

Silverstream is progressing from strength-to-strength. Home to more than 1500 residents, a further 266 sections (approximately) are being developed on the east of the scenic subdivision.

On Thursday 10th September 2020, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon, local MP Matt Doocey and Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jim Palmer, many affiliated councillors and our contractors joined the development team to open the “East Side” of Silverstream in a significant ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event highlighted the importance of the development in meeting the economic and social needs of the wider Kaiapoi community.

Silverstream east side ribbon cutting by Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon, local National MP Matt Doocey and Silverstream developer Fred Rahme

“The essence of the road opening and the further development happening is that it connects two vibrant communities that are coming together as one,” Fred says.

“Silverstream and Kaiapoi will now meet and blend into one.”

The ceremony celebrated this vision while also acknowledging the hard work of the Waimakariri council and many other contributors in making it happen. Kaiapoi’s trajectory now seems assured as a positive force in the region’s continued success.

Silverstream developer Fred Rahme on site of the east side of Silverstream alongside, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon

The Northern Corridor motorway will provide another lift by enabling commuters to reach the Christchurch CBD in under 20 minutes. The additional lane over the Waimakariri bridge and a direct route into the city are expected to provide great advantages to those in Kaiapoi, as well as the greater Waimakariri District.

Silverstream is well-known for its picturesque stream, beautiful homes, retail village, medical centre and socially minded neighbourhood. Sections and house and land packages are priced and sized to suit, giving buyers complete flexibility. This is backed up by a worry-free process and the friendly support of an expert team, so that building a new home is as exciting and enjoyable as it should be.

Lime Developments, Lime Living, Devcorp and Lime Real Estate staff in attendance of the Silverstream east side opening ceremony

Many thanks to the dignitaries who celebrated with us, we are thrilled to play a part in growing and strengthening the Waimakariri district.

Photo credit: Chris Sharpe Photography

Best Hedging Options

Griselinia varieties especially Griselinia Canterbury (extremely hardy, fast-growing, perfect for shelter)
Pittosporum varieties especially Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ (attractive, dark green foliage and a reliable hedge option)
Teucrium fruiticans – Silver Germander (excellent for low hedging, providing silvery foliage all year round with pale blue bee-attracting flowers)
Lonicera nitida – Box Honeysuckle (rapid growth rate, makes excellent hedging)
Corokia Geenty’s Green (yellow flowers in Spring followed by red berries in Autumn)

Native Options

Coprosma (many varieties, attracts native birds)
Carex (numerous varieties for all conditions from dry to wetland—excellent for mass planting, bulletproof)
Marble Leaf (good for underplanting)
Poa cita/Silver Tussock (ideal for revegetation)
Manuka (attracts bees)
Kanuka (hardy native option)

Reliable Colour Shrubs

Nandina/Heavenly Bamboo varieties (attractive year-round foliage):
- Gulf Stream
- Lemon Lime
- Firepower
Lavender (attracts bees, thrives in dry conditions)
Camellia (good winter/early spring flowering)
Escallonia (can be grown as either shrub or hedge)
Hebe Wiri Mist (popular, reliable, and low maintenance)
Hebe Red Edge (a robust plant with lilac-coloured flowers which gradually fade to white)

Trees That Work

Paper Bark Maple (hardy variety)
Norway Maple (reliable performer)
Prunus /Flowering Cherries (beautiful seasonal display)
Malus/Ornamental Apple (excellent for gardens)
Weeping Pear (sturdy branches handle local conditions)
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (smaller variety, good for gardens)

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach.”

Plan Smart, Plant Smarter

Careful planning is the key, says Paul Saunders, Nursery Manager at Sublime.

“Soil preparation is a foundation that’s particularly important in new developments where topsoil may have been scraped away during construction, leaving less-than-ideal growing conditions behind,” he says.

“Then, rather than rushing to fill every corner with plants, I suggest taking an observational approach.”

There’s often the temptation to rush in and quickly plant everything straight away, says Paul, but the key is to take your time.

“Start with your hedging and shelter first,” he says. “This foundational step will create beneficial microclimates throughout your garden and an initial shelter belt that not only protects against Canterbury’s winds but also helps manage frost patterns across your section”.

Indeed, careful attention to sun exposure and positioning should help you decide which plants should go where.

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach,” says Jo.

“Plants on your north face need to be the ones that don’t mind full-on sun, which can be quite harsh, especially along with those easterly winds. Good fencing can help in that respect.”

“Think of your garden as a blank canvas—just with some unique factors you have to take into account to get the best result.”

Simply put, success comes from working with the unique Canterbury environment rather than against it. By choosing locally adapted plants and taking the time to understand your property’s specific conditions, you can create a garden that not only survives but thrives through our region’s dramatic seasonal changes.