AN EXCELLENT DISPLAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 75, 8 January 1949, Page 4

AN EXCELLENT DISPLAY

Flowers in the Domain REWARD OF PAST YEAR’S WORK The general appearance of the Domain at present is extremely bright, having freshened up considerably as a result of the recent rain. The gardens have never looked neater or more attractive. The formal garden at the sun dial, which always attracts admirers, presents an attractive display with several beds of dahlias, mostly of the Dwarf Cactus type, although there are 40 varieties. Altogether in the beds there are GOO plants. Each small bed is planted in one variety, and the larger beds show combinations of blending colours. These blooms .will be even better in another six weeks.

The large circular bed by the bowling green is a brilliant splash of reds and blues, comprised of a geranium variety named Maxine Kovalesky. Among the geraniums are gladioli of the variety Ninth Symphony. This bed is edged with lobelia and has an inner edging of a new species of lobelia with much larger flowers, known as Lobelia Tenuoir.

Where formerly was just a mass of shrubs and trees is now a new path and' a cherry walk which was formed last winter, and which has made a beautiful vista from the main West Street drive so that beds of dahlias in the sun dial garden are shown up to much greater effect. The flower garden area around the water wheel was also newly designed last winter. Crazy paving was. put in around the edge of the flower border, and there are now various types of aquatic plants. Growing also in this area is the giant Himalayan primrose (Primula Florindae). Other interesting plants are the Astilbes and the Scarlet Mimulus. A border of bright yellow violas completes the scheme.

The large triangle bed at the end of the rose walk is very colourful at the moment, being massed with Giant and Pom Pom Zinnias. Three beds of Begonia (Semperflorens) facing the bed of zinnias make an unusual and striking contrast. Near the band rotunda, the long border is planted with giant decorative dahlias and is showing great promise. The half-moon garden behind Te Marae Tennis court. 3 is bedded with Petunias, among which are planted 1400 gladioli of 24 varieties which will be in flower in a month’s time.

A border of bright red Astilbes planted at the pond edge opposite the water wheel is most effective, and it is intended to increase this type of planting considerably to give more colour to the banks of the ponds. Flax bushes have been removed from this spot to give a better view of the halfmoon garden on the opposite side. Altogether the displays reflect credit on those responsible, and'a visit will repay anyone who takes the traditional pride in Ashburton’s principal beauty spot. It is also gratifying to note that since the appointment of honorary rangers, the last few months have been comparatively free from vandalism, and the work of the curator no' longer suffers interference.