ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 29

ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY

DOMINION ORGANISATION FORMED. A large gathering of gardening enthusiasts at Lower Hutt on Tuesday evening decided to form a New Zealand Alpine and Rock Garden Society. The prime mover was Mr. A. Wilkinson, of Nelson, where the first organisation of its kind in the world, was formed several years ago, and of which Mr. Wilkinson has been secretary. Its membership has grown from five to several hundreds, including many in Australia and Tasmania, and some as far afield as England. A great burden of work fell upon Mr. Wilkinson, who recently informed the society he could no longer carry on. In consequence the society resolved to confine its membership 'and work entirely to Nelson. This did not meet with the approval of Mr. Wilkinson, who desired to see the art of rock gardening extended throughout New Zealand. At the invitation of Wellington and Hutt Valley enthusiasts he has organised a New Zealand society to carry on the work originallv commenced in Nelson. The patrons of the new society are the Governor-General and Lady Alice Fergusson. Mr. Hope B. Gibbons, of Wellington. was elected president, and a committee was set up. with Mr. A. J. Nicholls ns secretyy. to report to a further meeting in December.