ARBOR DAY SLOGAN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 230, 26 June 1935, Page 10

ARBOR DAY SLOGAN

“Plant For Permanence” PLEA OF THE TREES "I would like to give New Zealanders a slogan for this year, with special reference to Arbor Day, Vugust 7,” said Mrs. Knox Gilmer, in her presidential address at the annual meeting of the ■Wellington Horticultural Society last night. "My slogan would be 'Plant for Permanent^’ —that is, selecting the most excellent tree subjects and arranging them to make pleasing pictures. This is 'planting for permanence.' The best plants are those that are long lived and maintain a line appearance- at every seasop of the year,’possessing beauty of form and habit of growth, verdure and mass colour. They are the true aristocrats—the prima donnas of the garden. "On the aesthetic side of life, there is no more important interest than the encouragement of the growth of trees and, flowers) We are learning, however, that there is a definite practical and utilitarian value attaching to the results of these efforts. Climatic conditions are affected by the denudation of tree growth, and the rainfall—so necessary 4o the prosperity of any country —is dependent upon care in this respect. Following upon the rainfall is the adequate provision for water for the, people. . Jubilee Trees. "I notice in an English publication a useful article describing the steps taken in England to commemorate the King’s Jubilee by planting trees. This was done with all due ceremony, and so this great national occasion was used to make England still more beautiful. Appropriately, silver-leaved trees were selected to mark the Silver Jubilee'. "The approach of Arbor Day in New Zealand gives us an opportunity of concerted effort in the same direction,” continued Mrs. Gilmer. "Under the heading, ‘Trees Make a Landsca]>e.’ there is an editorial in the ■Flower Lover’ saying: 'Place a few trees on a bit of waste land and you have a landscape. . . . There are many areas of unfertile land in this country, many odd corners and unsightly patches that could be converted into living pictures at the cost of a few shillings. If every lover of beautiful scenery resolved to make at least one spot more attractive than it is today. the cumulative result would be amazing. A very few years would witness a transformation throughout the whole Dominion.’ “The society appeals to every lover of the beautiful to take an active personal interest in planting trees wher- * ever possible during this planting season, culminating in Abor Day. By general desire the kowhai has become recognised as New Zealand's national flower. It is hoped that this year will see a large increase in the number of these beautiful flowering trees.

Wooded Landscapes. “The horticultural possibilities of New Zealand are well-nigh illimitable. It is possible for endless vistas of wooded landscapes throughout the length and breadth of the land. This possibility can be made a reality if everyone will do his part in planting beautiful trees. Under the beneficial effects of the Native Plants Protection Act, trees now have more surety of a long life. This is an occasion, however. to utter a plea*for the discontinuance of the practice of using broken branches for decorative purposes. The desired effect can be so much better obtained by means of living plants in ■pots and tubs.”