SQUARE GARDENS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 168, 15 June 1940, Page 6

SQUARE GARDENS

improvement plan. HEDGES REMOVED. Continuing a policy laid down some time ago, the City Council authorities .have this week been engaged in clearing hedges and other growth in two of the Square garden enclosures, the hedge being taken from the reserve opposite the C. M. Ross. Coni* pariy’s premises, ana the bamboo and other similar material from the garden opposite the “Manawatu Standard.” The ducks are being transferred to the Hokowliitu Lagoon, which is a sanctuary. The development; of this little area as a scenic beauty spot is to be proceeded with as opportunity offers. Originally the plans of the City Council were for the provision of a low concrete strip running round the two enclosures nearest Rangitikei Street and oue of these, that nearest .-the Post Office, has been so equipped. Botli the other garden enclosures'are bordered by rock brought from Tiritea and rock plants, selected for their ability in s flowering rather than for their foliage, are being established along these borders. On one side of each of these gardens silver-grey shrubs of the cineraria family have been planted and trimmeo" back, thus keeping them low and compact. The foliage of these shrubs lias been favourably commented upon as it retains a clean, fresh appearance, blending well with the neat arrangement of the garden areas. It is understood that for the enclosure nearest the, C. M. Ross Company’s building the eventual plan provides for a rockery border as elsewhere in the Square, this rock to he brought from Tiritea when motor-lor-ries are required to visit that area. No extra expense except the loading and unloading of the stone (which; is particularly hard and therefore mbst suitable for the purpose) is being undertaken, this principle having been followed previously. Concrete, while having much to commend it for this particular purpose, is regarded as being more expensive than is warranted under the present conditions. Suggestions were advanced by ft local resident, when in conversation with the “Evening Standard,” for the adoption of a style common in the. United States—and which is to be seen in numbers of New _ Zealand homes—of having no bordering of fence or rockery, but a plain edging of grass which has a simplicity and an aesthetic charm all its own. Well ke.pt lawns, of which there are excellent examples in the Square, are treated with respect by pedestrians, even where there is no border dividing the lawn from the footway. Enquiries made showed that it is most probable that when tlie hedge in this particular enclosure has been totally removed the strip of ground on which it stood will be, sown enwn in grass, because the stone from Tiritea is liot on hand and it will take some time for the requisite supply, to be built up. Residents should therefore be able to judge in the near future the relative, appearance of three types of bordering for the enclosures, concrete, - rocks, and . neat lawn edging. ■ . ’ V