“N.Z. PLANTS FOR N.Z. GARDENS”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6911, 17 May 1929, Page 8

“N.Z. PLANTS FOR N.Z. GARDENS”

DR. H. H. ALLAN MAKES AN APPEAL. Dr. H. H. Allan, of the Palmerston North Plant Research Station, delivered an interesting lecture last evening under the auspices of the W.E.A., taking for his subject, New Zealand plants for New Zealand gardens. The address was illustrated throughout by lantern slides, the audience being taken pictorially to many of tlie Dominon’s most picturesque spots and shown flowering shrubs and rock plants as well as graceful trees that, in the opinion of Dr. Allan, should be given a place in every New Zealand garden. He appealed for a greater interest in the plant life of the Dominion . There was none of the wonderful colouring such as were found in India —New Zealand’s flora in comparison was tame —but there was enough variety and gracefulness of form, for gardens to bo made original. As a rule New Zealand gardens were more or less like pawnbrokers shops lacking individuality. This was also true of some of the public gardens whero advantage ought to be taken of what New Zealand offered. England on the other hand was very keen about New Zealand shrubs and admired their beautiful form. They were at all times anxious to get seeds from the Dominion and it was surprising the success they had with them. The University gardens at Edinburgh were famous for the success they had growing New Zealand plants. The Dominion had many scenic reserves of which the peox>le were proud but Dr. Allan said he feared there was not enough concern being expressed for their preservation. There was the general cry of what a pity, but nothing was done. In Wellington what was known as Wilton’s bush was being converted into a kind of plant museum and it was hoped before long to have growing there .specimens of most of the Dominions’ flora. Dr. Allan commenced in tho north and travelled gradually down the North Island and then took his audience through the South Island and also to Stewart and Chatham Islands. Ho described the more interesting and beautiful of the plants to be found in each locality, expressing regret that the average sight-seer saw fit to destroy rather than preserve the magnificent fields of flowering plants to be met with, lie iustaueed two plants—a native buttercup and a forget-iue-not of the Chatham Islands —that were quickly disappearing and would soon be non-existent unless protected. In Japan a simple notice board would be all that would be required but he was afraid the average New Zealander would not heed such an appeal. Dr. Allan also briefly touched upon what could be done in tiho way of hybridisation, adding that ho himself had made a small beginning in that direction. The experiments were full of interest and possibilities 1 ,