MODEL COUNTRY HOMESTEAD.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 260, 19 October 1916, Page 2

MODEL COUNTRY HOMESTEAD.

BY A. TV. BUXTON. LTD., CHRISTCHURCH. A most attractive exhibit at the Show Grounds is that arranged by Messrs. A. W. Buxton, Ltd., of Christchurch, the popular and widely-known firm of Landscape Architects and Gardeners. Entering the Agricultural Hall one’s notice is at once caught by a representation of a model station homestead complete in every detail, and which will be a centre of keen interest. The grounds surrounding the handsome residence are illustrative of the modernised landscape gardening practised by Messrs. A. W. Buxton, Ltd. Fronting the house is the main entrance, a wide sweep of drive, leading up to the front door, and thence to the motor shed and stables. On Studying the positions of the outbuildings, one at once could see that experience with taste had been brought into force. In front of the house stood a living representation of a motor car, naturally the latest model. A fine perspective is obtained from the verandah of the ornamental lake, flower beds and rustic bridges. On the left of the main lawn, pergola, glass houses and rock garden is situated a well designed rosery. To the rear of the dwelling house is the orchard and cherry house, kitchen garden, stables, dog kennels, fowl house, etc., and the shrubberies and plantations make an effective setting. Further back was shown a home paddock in which horses and cattle grazed, and another paddock to the right was occupied by a mob of sheep being driven in the direction of the shearing shed. The wool waggon, with miniature bales added considerably to a realistically pastoral picture. Under the shaded trees could be seen shorn sheep enjoying the shelter. _ Other details such as telephone wires and posts, the electric light connection, etc., were all faithfully reproduced. The whole undertaking was carried out in a most charming and artistic form and is eloquent evidence of the ever-increasing desire to turn “houses into homes.” On enquiring into the methods of work pursued we are informed that a survey is- made of the grounds to be operated on, and a plan drawn to scale is submitted to the owner, showing the whole of the proposed work in detail, with the individual cost of each shrub and rockery or lakelet clearly marked. If, then, it is desired to proceed with one portion of the work this season and another next, and so on, until all is completed, it can be done without endangering the harmony ,of the whole. In support of this may be mentioned extensive plans that have been carried out for severa. municipalities, also many large grounds throughout the Dominion. A. \V. Buxton, Ltd., have published a booklet on “The Garden Beautiful,” which can be obtained by asking for it. It may be mentioned that Mr. A. W. Buxton takes a personal interest in all work carried out by his firm.*