A NATIVE NURSERY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17749, 28 April 1923, Page 14

A NATIVE NURSERY.

A RARE COLLECTION OF PLANTS. &| MR J- M. BAXTER'S GARDEN. There is a general belief that native trees and shrubs, without the natural environment of the bush, are difficult 10 grow, and that their development in is slow. A visit to Mr J. _M. iinxtvi-'s nursery at the corner of Fapanui and Hawthorn roads would quickly dissipate that belief. A "Press" reporter visited the nursery during tne wot!*, ana was agreeaoiy impressed »vun me wealtn of native plants growing mere—tne mass of green providing a. suunug contrast to ww leantsasness

oi exuiic uws m t-i© present time. lue wea oi tno nursery is tnreeuuavwrs oi an acre, »wm Air l>iUii*x iit i«*ars «»"» out me ueveiouui «»» ouoiui*b ixcccssitatea an expansion, ana wis jew u* ae<iuirea auauioi' area in roau Aur propauawW purposes, in tuese two areas nieiu arc u««.tteeii 4ui> anil 000 Oiftereut varieties of native swuus. Most of tueni were collected by Mr Baxter personaaiy in various botanical excursions on tu© JsLaaJiouras, J>aiiuß i'eninsuia, tne southern Alps, Arthur's fass, ivaramea on tne >vest Coast, and im> tner soutii over tne range, 'the localities fri>in wnicn tne coUcction has been made ensure a hardier and more frostresistant, plant than is oOtainable from more a parts of tne country. Altogetaer it is an amazing collection of our uoautiiul flora, and a revelation even to tnose who have more than a passing knowledge of the bush of the country. . . Probably Mr Baxter's collection of Veronicas is one of the two best in the Dominion. He has between 120 and 130 varieties. Three of .them were discovered by him during his explorations, and were previously, as far as can be ascertained, unknown to science. The noblest trees of our forests to the humblest swamp plants are represented in the garden. There are fifteen varieties of the Broom family, five of the Clematis, fifteen of the caprosma, four of the Fagus (beech), four of the Myrtle, twenty-five of the Olearis, six of the Podocarpus (totara.), eight of the Pittosporum (matipo), sixteeen of the Senecio, the whole Ribbonwood family of about twelve varieties, besides the rare collection of Veronicas already noted, and a email collection of orchids and ferns. Besides the foregoing there are Karakas (the New ZeaInnd laurel), Titokis and Ngaios, Astolias, Fuschsias, Rubus Barkeri (a bramble that is practically alone in producing an autumn tint), and the rather quaint-looking Lancewood. A number of the plants are in bloom, and provide a charming variation in colour. Of the notable forest trees there are to bn seen is the handsome Rimu, also the White Pine, the Totara, the Kow?iai, and the Matipo. They are all growing vigorously from transplantings the winter before last, some of them showing a growth of from Bft to 10ft in that time, and, moreover, no sign of a "miss." ~ ' The Ribbonwoods make a fine display. Those planted eight months ago have made a growth of from Bft to 4ft, and those from pots 2J years ago .from 10ft to lift. Some beech trees have made a growth of 2ft Gin this year, and are remarkably healthy. The assortment of beeches is a striking one. ' It is interesting to note that Mr Baxter has fulfilled two orders for plants for the Old Country, with others to be executed this year. One crate, containing 150 varieties, went to Sussex, and another to Dorsetshire. The assortment comprised plants , of. the hardier nature.

Mr Baxter states, and his nursery supports the statement, that he- has had no difficuty in growing native plants from seeds, or in transplanting them. He invites all who are interested in the plant life of this country to visit his garden. He has had much experience in landscape gardening, having laid out a number in Canterbury/and his advice as to the most favoured conditions for the establishment of native plants is available. Catalogues will be supplied on application. 'Phone 6083. —6