IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29010, 26 September 1959, Page 18

IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Items Of Interest This Week Throughout the Botanic Gardens many species and varieties of spring flowering trees and shrubs are now in bloom. In many parts cherries, malus and rhododendron are outstanding. Other shrubs in flower are forsythia. osmanthus, magnolia and exochorda. In the Woodland on the southern bank of the Avon river, many hundreds of thousands of daffodils are in full flower. Growing in the interesting rock garden section is a comprehensive collection of rock garden and alpine plants. Some of the plants at present flowering are saxifraga, erythronium, rhododendron. tulipa, and primula. Special Tree The madrona, Arbutus menziesii, is one of the most beautiful of broad-leaved evergreen trees, and is by far the noblest of all the heath family (Ericaceae). In its natural habitat of California to British Columbia it grows to a height of 100 feet, and is always admired for its terracotta bark and burnished foliage. A fine specimen of this tree, which is now commencing to flower, is growing near the south bridge, which gives access to the Woodland. Display Houses The display houses are open to the public on week-days from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. At week-ends they are open in the afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. only. Cuhingham Glasshouse.— Many interesting and colourful plants from the tropical regions of the world are on display. At the northern end of the gallery a display of Begonia feastii is in full flower and at the moment very attractive. Along the western side of the gallery is an attractive display of Crotons and Euphorbia fulgens, while at the southern end Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is in flower. In the hanging baskets at the southern end Columnea banksii is outstanding while Aeschynanthus grandiflora is still in flower. Downstairs in the centre bed a large specimen of banana is in fruit and Clivia miniata may be seen in flower. A number of orchids are also in flower. Townend Glasshouse.— On the bench along the southern side of the house is a display of Primula obconica while on the northern side the Covent Garden strain of calceolaria. In the centre of the house may be seen schizanthus and cyclamen. In several hanging baskets Pentapterygium serpens is in flower. This is an attractive plant with tubular red, pendulous flowers. Garriek Cactus and Succulent House.— Cactus and succulent plants from the various regions of the world are on display. Gates at present close daily at 6.15 p.m.