Nurseryman On “Ham” Landscaping

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29783, 28 March 1962, Page 10

Nurseryman On “Ham” Landscaping

A nurseryman from Cambridge in the North Island (Mr R. H. Keats) was so impressed with the gardens at “Ham” on a recent visit that he wonders whether Christchurch people appreciate the asset to be preserved at the new university.

“Having heard so much about the former Stead property, I went to ‘llam’ to see the grounds from which the world-acclaimed rhododendrons come.” he wrote to “The Press.”

“One question struck me and remained uppermost in my mind—will the charm and identity of this famous property be preserved and are its worth and potentialities fully appreciated by the university authorities and the people?” Mr Keats says. “I wonder whether ample provision has been made to preserve and develop the unique homestead and grounds? “Surely these must be one of the largest planted azalea and rhododendron grounds in New Zealand or Australia. Many of the crosses are of world-wide renown. I would say Christchurch has the basis for what could be one of the finest landscaped universities in the Southern Hemisphere, especially with the quantities of small shrubs now in propagation and growing in rows on the property, “I presume this has all been thought out, but it occurred to me that the potential could be missed and that you could end up with buildings and no surroundings,” Mr Keats says.

“Having experienced the atmosphere of places like Cambridge. Oxford, Eton and so on. I could not help writing in the hope that the garden potential of 'Ham' wiU be fully realised,” Mr Keats says. “With a trust formed of beauty-conscious people (of whom Christchurch has many) working in conjunction with the university, Education Department, and Ministry of Works, the ‘Ham’ campus could become something quite unique. I only hope that in presenting these ideas I am treading on familiar ground.” The Vice-chancellor of the University of Canterbury

(Dr. L. L. PownaU) made these comments on Mr Keat’s letter:

“The University of Canterbury is deeply aware of its responsibilities in preserving the rhododendron and azalea plantings at the ‘Ham’ homestead. Although the City Council gives a small contribution each year towards the upkeep of these grounds, by far the major cost of maintaining them is borne by the university which does it gladly to maintain the beauty. “The writer can rest assured that the university is well aware of its responsibilities in this connexion and has sought, and will continue to seek, the most expert advice it can find. We are grateful to the writer for offering us some suggestions. "The over-all design of the general landscaping at the new university is at present in the hands of the senior landscape officer of the Ministry of Works for New Zealand. There is no doubt at all that the University of Canterbury has a unique opportunity to plan and develop university grounds of outstanding beauty in this part of the world. To the best of its ability, the council of the university is attempting to carry out this duty."