THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28801, 23 January 1959, Page 3

THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Items Of Interest This Week

Of particular interest among the . comprehensive collection of tropical. foliage and flowering plants in the Cuningham glasshouse at present are Clerodendron fallax at the northern end of the gallery and Bougainvillea “Mrs Butt” and Acalypha hispides on the western side. Other plants of interest include Kohleria amabile, with foxglove-like flowers, rose coloured and spotted with dark rose; Begonia lucema, a shrubby begonia with large pendant truses of bright pink flowers; and Ananas sativus variegatus, the varigated pineapple. Downstairs in the centre bed on the western -side, a specimen of Monstera deliciosa, the fruit salad plant, may be seen in fruit, while round the side benches are foliage plants such as Anthurium, Calathea, Begonia rex and Dracena.

On show in the Townend glasshouse are Tuberous begonias, Coleus, Gloxinias, Streptocarpus and Gomphrena globosa. In the hanging baskets may be seen Achimenes and pendulous begonias. Cactus and succulent plants from the various regions of the world are on display in the Garrick house.

Throughout the gardens flower beds and borders are gay with colour. Geraniums, begonias, fuchsias, salvia and other summer bedding plants are in full flower. The herbaceous border, situated along the northern side of the Archery lawn, is attractive and interesting with a comprehensive collection of perennial plants. A good specimen of the western red cedar (Thuja plicata) may be seen growing in the lawn on the eastern side of the CuAingham glasshouse. In its natural habitat, British Columbia and Oregon, this tree reaches a height of 200 feet with a diameter at its base of 15 feet. TJie foliage of the giant Thuja, as it is sometimes called, is useful for floral work and is fragrant when crushed.

On Sunday next, January 25, the Woolston Band will present a programme of music on the Archery lawn commencing at 2.30 p.m. Gates to the gardens close daily at 8 p.m., a bell being rung at closing time. Display houses are open from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on week days, and at week-ends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.