A GAY GARDEN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 5 October 1926, Page 5

A GAY GARDEN.

AT HAWERA CEMETERY. MRS J. GARNETT’S ROCKERY. , Everywhere just now is to be seen striking evidence of the advent of spring. Gardens especially are looking at their best, and the recent rains and the change to warmer conditions has resulted in Dame Nature asserting herself in a wonderful manner. probably there are large numbers of Hawera residents who are unaware, of the existence of .such a lovely rock garden as that of Mrs J. Garnett. Tucked away in a sheltered corner of the cemetery, facing the sun, a beautiful sight is afforded visitors by the galaxy of colour presented, more especially at noonday when the sun; is _ shining brightly. Then it is seen at it-s best. The glorious blue of the aubrietias .and leptospermum prostratums, interspersed with a blaze of yellow from the alyssums and vari-coloured messembryanthemums (ice plants), forms a dazzling sight. Mrs Garnett specialises in veronicas, especially the' dwarf varieties. In her garden are to be found many rare varieties, the result of years of collecting. Most of them were originally found! growing on the mountains, hut, bv careful attention to the imitation of the conditions associated with these plants irr their native habitat, Mrs Garnett has been able to establish them in her rock garden, and it is surprising to record' that many of them thrive well and bloom in profusion.

On the west side of the concrete cottage there is a miniature fernery and native rockery, where;., through the agency of shade and natural moisture, success is achieved 1 in growing tender ferns and: shrubs. The beautiful Prince of Wales forms (Todea superba) do exceedingly well ; also the mountain eelmesias and primulas. Native orchids (the pendulus varieties) bloom in profusion in hanging hasekts and attached to dead tree, trunks. They are the beautiful and l sweet “rented Dendrobium Cunninghamii and Earius suaveolens (two varieties). Till recently a native clematis was a; perfect picture, with its star-shaped white blooms growing over the entrance to the sidte gate. Mr® Garnett at various times receives visits from distinguished horticulturists, who express agreeable surprise at the fine collection of rare specimens it has been her good fortune to secure and cultivate with so much success.