Project Overview

The Christchurch Southern Motorway is a crucial infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between communities south of Christchurch and the city itself. This development not only aimed to enhance transportation efficiency and safety but also focused on integrating the motorway into the surrounding environment through extensive landscaping. Natural Habitats, the company responsible for planting and maintaining the vegetation along the motorway, partnered with Riverside Horticulture to supply the large quantity of native plants required for the project.

Project Scope and Challenges

The project required over 350,000 native plants, with the primary goals being erosion control, habitat creation, and ensuring the motorway blended seamlessly into the local landscape. The scale of the project, combined with the need for high-quality, site-specific plant species, posed a significant challenge. Riverside Horticulture needed to ensure that the plants were grown to exact specifications and delivered on time, ready for immediate installation by Natural Habitats.

Riverside Horticulture's Approach

Riverside Horticulture adopted a meticulous approach to contract growing the plants, ensuring they met the specific requirements for the project. The nursery team worked closely with Natural Habitats to understand the environmental conditions and the project's goals, tailoring the selection and growth processes accordingly. Consistent communication and collaboration were key to meeting the tight deadlines and ensuring that the plants were delivered in optimal condition.

Client Testimonial

"Riverside were able to supply big numbers, keep their word on price and have a great delivery service. They have been a key supply partner for Natural Habitats South Island Division for nearly four years. Their willingness to work cooperatively and ability to deliver on time, on price, and on grade plants is excellent." – Ashley Shadbolt, Natural Habitats.

Outcome

Riverside Horticulture’s contribution was integral to the success of the Christchurch Southern Motorway landscaping project. The quality and timely delivery of the native plants ensured that Natural Habitats could effectively implement the vegetation plan, resulting in a motorway that not only serves its functional purpose but also enhances the local environment. The partnership between Riverside Horticulture and Natural Habitats continues to thrive, underscoring Riverside’s reliability and expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects.