DOMAIN PLANTING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 281, 8 September 1938, Page 6

DOMAIN PLANTING.

TWO EFFECTIVE SCHEMES. BIG HYDRANGEA BED. Two new schemes of planting that will result in most effective displays have been completed in the Ashburton Domain by the Curator ( Mr D. HLeigh). One of these schemes centres on the large island near the Wills- Street boundary of the Domain, an area that has been singled out on more than one occasion for special attention. Willows and much .stunted grow±*l on the island were removed, and 350 plants have been put in, placed in groups, with ribbomvood and kowhai close to the water, and a centre piece of black beech and lacebark, while the* whole lay-out is interplanted with groups of coloured manuka. The ribbonwoods are of three species, Senecio Grayi Coprosmas, Gaya Lya’llii, and Gaya Angustifolia. There are two species of lacebark—Hoheria Populnea and Hoheria Betulinus. Broadleaf, red manuka and pink manuka complete the types that have been planted, and the island should before long be an attraction in the reserve. A large hydrangea bed containing 100 plants in groups of 12 varieties, has been planted near the water wheel, where a number of useless shrubs were removed. The bed has been planted to present a mass effect and this, too, should be one of tbe show pieces of the Domain in the summer.