Ōamaru’s oasis of warmth and greenery has re-opened after months of restoration work.

The Display House, located in the Ōamaru Public Gardens, reopened late last month for the first time since August last year.

The Display House provides a protected environment for frost-tender plants that would not otherwise survive in the public gardens.

Before the recent work, the display house was last restored in 2008.

The restoration work cost more than the budgeted $153,000, a council spokesperson says.

“We do not have the final figure as work is not yet completed.”

There is additional spouting, painting and other jobs to be done when the weather improves, which will dictate the final cost.

The Display House, opened in 1929, was designed by Ōamaru architect Ivan Steenson and is a category B listed building (meaning it has considerable overall heritage).

The construction cost £1101 including pots and a heating system, was paid for by funds raised through a garden fete held in March 1928.

The fete also paid for a paddling pool, play area and azalea garden.