WELLINGTON GARDEN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4255, 9 November 1874, Page 3

WELLINGTON GARDEN.

There is not a prettier or pleasanter spot in the neighborhood of Wellington than the Botanic Garden. Although not what it might be if more funds had been entrusted to the gentlemen who have undertaken its management, it certainly is an enjoyable retreat wherein to spend a couple of hours. The configuration of the ground for its present purpose could not be better, and the walks are judiciously laid out. The interest evinced by Dr. Hector, Mr. Ludlam, Mr. Mantel!, Mr. Travers, and many others in its proper cultivation and px-ogress, and the assistance they have rendered by supplying innumerable plants and shrubs at their own expense, and from their own gardens, should not be forgotten. The effects of the strong winds which have prevailed of late are noticeable on many of the planted shrubs, yet, notwithstanding this detraction, the garden looks remarkably well. The vernal season of the year is everywhere apparent, and visitors increase day by day as summer draws nigh. Heretofore the curator has had considerable difficulty and annoyance with many of the visitors, who, ignorantly no doubt, infringed the rules hy plucking flowers and injuring shrubs, but, wo are sure, the matter only requires mention to secure immunity in this respect for the future. Eighty acres is the present area of the garden, which is enclosed by a substantial post-and-rail fence. Ten additional acres have been acquired at the eastern end, but the funds necessary for the extra fencing required to enclose this desirable allotment are not at present in hand. When the addition has been made the garden will be greatly improved, and admission may be gained by a street loading off the Terrace, thus avoiding the lengthy perambulation now necessary. The walks are extensive, being not shorter than four miles in length, and they are in excellent order, notwithstanding that the curator has had land-slips withou t number to contend against during the past rainy season. Pines and conifers, to the number of 3500, and more than an equal number of shrubs have replaced ti-tree and other undergrowth, and when a couple of years have elapsed, judging by their past growth, they will have grown so as to be a feature of the garden. A small, sheltered patch is' devoted to camellias raised from seedlings, presented by Mr. Ludlam, of the Hutt, and one would certainly have to travel further north to find their equal. Their show of bloom next spring should be worth a special visit. Azaleas have been lavishly disposed about the grounds, but are, in a measure, lost through the surrounding vegetation ; whilst the rhododendrons scattered here and there are thriving admirably and bursting into flower beautifully. A Norfolk Island pine, presented a year ago by Mr. Bennett, has assumed proportions hardly credible. The nursery attached to the garden has received conriderablo attention, and the demands made upon it from time to time have not sufficed to exhaust it, the number of pines and conifers now available for transplanting being no fewer, than thirteen thousand, besides a number of other plants and shrubs indispensable to a

public garden. The shrubs used in beautifiying the College Reserve, Pitzherbert Terrace, the quarantine grounds at Somes Island, and the Adelaide Road, were drawn from this source, and many have- been distributed elsewhere. Parcels of seeds from California have been sown, among which are a number of Wclllngtouia gigantea and Tkuga- the mammoth trees of that wonderful State. Plants have been raised from seed of another California beauty, the Albics douglusii , which appear to thrive remarkably well. The native trees, shrubs, and creepers, which were never to be seen to better advantage than at the present time, are mostly in bloom, though the gay blossom of the rata (Metrosidcros) is, of course, not yet apparent. The modest though pretty bloom of the rewa rewa, hmau, mako make, kohinini, and many of the creepers, is everywhere to be seen, and would afford great satisfaction to a botanist. The experimental portion of the garden is proving its utility, and the suggestion some years since made by Dr. Hector, that phormium should be raised from seed, has been acted upon with unexpected success. Seeds of seven varities of this useful plant were selected, all of which are now robustly bushed, attaining, in many cases, a height of seven and eight feet. Mulberry plants, to aid sericulture, are also being experimented upon, and with every appearance of a like success. Six acres have been cleared, and ponds for irrigation purposes are now being constructed. One of these in a short time should present a pretty appearance, a great number of plants of the beautiful water lily having been placed in it. An interesting object of natural history will shortly be added to this favorite place of resort. It is intended, wc believe, that the skeleton of the dead whale recently secured by Dr. Hector, and brought from the Sound, shall occupy a piece of lawn at the Tinakori entrance to the garden. Altogether, the grounds are well worthy of a visit, and those of our citizens who interest themselves in horticulture and floriculture, as well as those who appreciate the pleasure of a pleasant ramble, will find in a visit an hour or two’s excellent enjoyment. The curator, Mr, Braraley, in the short time that has elapsed since he undertook the management, and with the limited labor at his command, has done more than justice to the gardens.