ADAPTABILITY OF PLANTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 8 (Supplement)

ADAPTABILITY OF PLANTS

GROWTH IN THERMAL HEAT Most gardeners would consider that they had sufficient to contend with in combating insect pests, fungoid diseases and vagaries of climate, but when boiling springs, steam jets or sulphurous fumes had a trick of appearing in the flower beds, many gardeners would feel discouraged. Conditions such as these are common in the Sanatorium grounds at Rotorua,. and ingenious methods are followed to ensure the successful cultivation of some of the garden subjects. The old sito occupied by the Blue Baths before the present structure was erected, has been transformed into an arbour covered with wisteria and other climbers, but not without some difficulty, for it has been necessary to confine the steam»to pipes placed underground, these leading to a common outlet. With these precautions the plants are now thriving, and will soon provide a welcomo shade that will be appreciated by visitors. The adaptability of plants to such unusual conditions may not bo fully appreciated by the casual visitor. The soil in which some of the plants appear to bo growing successfully, is uncomfortably hot to the touch. Many thousands of bedding plants have been used for the long borders, which, during the next few months will provide a mase of colour which will need to be seen to bo fully appreciated. Flower lovers will find.much to interest them besides the tlrermal activities which have made Rotorua famous throughout the world.