City’s first public bonsai display on show at Peter Black Conservatory
Published on 17 December 2025
The Peter Black Conservatory at Victoria Esplanade has reopened, welcoming visitors back after the replacement of its shade house (also known as the lath house). This is the slatted-timber entryway that greets visitors on arrival. It's home to a range of tropical plants – and Palmerston North's first-ever public bonsai display.
The conservatory was closed for several months while construction was underway. The former shade house had reached the end of its life and was nearing the point of closure. The project also provided an opportunity to install security cameras and add hard-surface pathways to improve accessibility in a cost-effective way. Although the new shade house remains on the same footprint, it has been built taller to better accommodate a wider range of plants and make it more of a feature.
Deputy Mayor Debi Marshall-Lobb says the reopening comes with an exciting new highlight for the city: Palmerston North’s first-ever public bonsai display, now permanently in the shade house.
The nationally acknowledged bonsai collection was gifted to Council by the family of the late Rodney Birch in 2008. It features a remarkable range of expertly shaped miniature trees, living artworks that reflect decades of patience, skill and care.
“The bonsai collection is something really special. These trees have been carefully nurtured over many years and now everyone can enjoy their beauty up close. It’s a wonderful new feature for the city and a great reason to visit the conservatory again.”
Rodney Birch’s wife, Lynne Birch, shares the story behind the collection. Rodney’s passion for bonsai began in the late 1960s and his collection grew steadily over the years. Before finding its new home in Palmerston North, the collection was cared for in Wellington and Masterton over several decades.
“Palmerston North City Council is now the custodian of this bonsai collection, some of which are now into their fifth decade. I want to acknowledge everyone who has helped care for these unique trees along the way, and all those committed to bringing this project to completion. I hope many visitors will appreciate and enjoy the beauty of this ancient Japanese art form.
“For our family, knowing these trees now have a home in Rodney’s hometown feels like they’ve returned to where they belong. Thank you, Palmerston North City Council, we are grateful and appreciative.”
Manager of Parks and Reserves Kathy Dever-Tod says the project signals a fresh chapter for one of the city’s most treasured garden spaces.
“We’re excited to reopen the doors and share this refreshed space with the community. All plants have now been returned to the conservatory after being cared for in our Council nursery during construction. Visitors can again enjoy lush tropical foliage, vibrant flowering displays and the calm, green atmosphere that has long made the Peter Black Conservatory a favourite local destination.”
The conservatory is open 10am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 3.30pm on weekends and public holidays. Entry is free.
Photo: Elected members at the opening of the new lath house.