THE CIVIC GARDENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20152, 12 January 1929, Page 12

THE CIVIC GARDENS.

BRIGHT BLAZE OF COLOUR. DISPLAY AT ALBERT PARK. WORK IN THE DOMAIN. Never in the memory of the foreman gardener at Albert Park, Mr. G. I 1 illmore, have the lawns there been so fresh and green at this time ot year as they are now. Taking it altogether it has been a most gratifying season for gardeners; and the staff at Albert Park lias been able to present some unusually beautiful and brilliant displays. Even yet the beds are full ol gay colours, making pictures well worth going to see. Geraniums of many shades and lobelias remain among the mainstays, and pansies and violas, which have been doing splendidly, are beginning to give way to others. One long bed of violas is being replaced by alternanthera and white geranium. Two wonderful beds of gladioli not far from the flagpole still retain much of their former glory, but they are now almost ready for removal. .Many were of the new primulinus type. Of the richness of the tints of these and their fellows there are 110 words in the language to describe, but such terms as orange, buff, yellow, rose, bronze, brown, pink, scarlet, salmon, apricot, help to suggest something of the nature of the display. Beds of zinnias and of dwarf dahlias are just being put out, and fresh designs in the fountain beds have been completed. Dahlias have been flourishing this season, and hydrangeas and canna lilies have also been making a great show. The second crop of roses has produced many excellent blooms. Large healthy clumps of phlox, stocks, callas, tall yellow lilies, daisies in variety, irises and many others contribute their share in making the park beds a pleasure to wander among. The Bowen Avenue border is looking particularly well at. present. Over in the Domain a certain amount of progress has been made both within and outside the big glasshouses and the imposing open court between them. The heating equipment is now being installed in the new house, and it is hoped to have it ready for the winter. The house is filled with palms, ferns and tropical plants, while primulas and schizanthus lend colour to the scene. Outside, cunnas, geraniums, alternanthera, begonias and phlox are chiefly relied on for effect. Roses and wistaria are spreading themselves over the new latticework of the courtyard. In the centre pond lilies are flourishing. So far only the earliest preliminary work has been done by way of preparation for the fernery. In the old glasshouse begonias, hydrangeas, primulas and bright hanging flowers make a pretty scene. • The big problem of laying out the grounds surrounding the War Museum has not been tackled yet, but all the old beds are bright arid colourful with many an old favourite flower. Roses and pansies are not done with yet. Carinas are still glorious. Geraniums, phlox, begonias, delphiniums, daisies, marigolds, stock, lupins, salvias, sweet William, corecopsis, sunflowers, carnations, gaillardias, to name but a few, all offer something to a bright harmonious picture framed in a choice setting of green sward and stately trees. Albert Park and the Domain are heritages which Auckland citizens cannot too highly appreciate.