THE SQUARE GARDENS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 7 October 1940, Page 8

THE SQUARE GARDENS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) v RONGOTEA. Oct. 4.

A civic enterprise such as (he Square gardens in Palmerston North is probably not looked on as being likely to return a profit; that, in fact, was not the irricntion of the pioneers who were responsible for their being established, or of the successive authorities who have developed them to their present very high standard.. Never-, t.heless, not only dwellers in the city, but the rural population in the great area surrounding it, are keenly appreciative and interested in the wonderful floral displays that are afforded throughout the year. Tho Hay may be somewhat distant when Rongotea will become a suburb of Palmerston North, but in the meantime a great number of’ local residents take every opportunity to visit the beauty spot. Tired farm women find relaxation there, and even many of the men like to have a look round. It would be a difficult matter to estimate the volume of business done in the adjacent shopping area, as a result of these visits, in the .purchase of seeds and plant* to bo used for home and farm beautification. It is probable that the nursery trade is more extensive in Palmerston North than in some of the larger centres, and much of this is due to tho inspiration- derived from the attractive Square gardens. They are a splendid example of gardening propaganda.