EXHIBITION SITE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 4, 5 July 1939, Page 13

EXHIBITION SITE

COLOUR CONTRASTS

PLANTING GOES AHEAD

One of the features which will greatly enhance the appearance of the Exhibition grounds at Rongotai is the planting, which is being carried out by the Director of Parks and Reserves, Mr. J. G. MacKenzie. The dark green of the pohutukawas will contrast with the vivid emerald of the turf verges, just as the rich cream of the buildings will with the red brick kerbing, the red lettering of the courts, and the red brick dust with which the main promenades will be covered. It is a study in contrasts, however, rather than .a clash, and the effect will be

striking.

Pohutukawas are being transplanted by the dozen. They are big trees from 10 to 15 feet high, and they show no damage in the process, proving that these trees are hardier than many other New Zealand natives. Great care is being taken, nevertheless. They are being lifted from places whick are fairly exposed, as sucn trees are hardier than those in sheltered positions. The roots of the pohutukawa are fairly fibrous, and the dense mat they form enables them to be moved without losing much of their original soil, about half a ton of which is lifted with each plant. A trench is dug round them, and as soon as they are ready to lift cranes are put to work, and they are motored rapidly to their Exhibition sites, put into holes awaiting them, straightened up, and firmed round. They should make a fine flowering show next Christmas. .

Where they flank the various buildings or roads, plenty of space is left between them to give glimpses of the grounds. Along the avenue of flags roses are being planted, while between each flagpole are being placed standard roses. A number of New Zealand shrubs await transference to large square red tubs, which will be placed to give effect at intersections along,the sides of the roads or in other places where they will add to the brightness of the grounds. The tubs will not be sunk in the ground as they are intended to be ornamental. The planting has been •greatly assisted by the saving of the surface soil off the site. All plantings have been made with an eye to the lighting effects in the grounds, as they will probably be seen by more people in the evening than before.