THE GARDENS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19000, 24 October 1923, Page 4

THE GARDENS.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC VISITOR Speaking to a.Tinjes reporter, Mr Geo. A. Green (dominion secretary of the New Zealand Nurserymen’s Association) was very enthusiastic over the Gardens, especially the rhododendron deli, the azaleas, and the cherry walk. Mr Green said that a section recently planted which must become extremely popular—especially with oversea visitors and tourists—was that devoted to New Zealand native trees and plants. That devoted to the family of celmisius was quite unique, and a s the plants became established and the character of the diffehent varieties developed its interest would increase. The collection of veronicas was also a very fine one, and if the jiresent scheme of planting all the varieties obtainable was continued it should in time contain the largest number of /varieties in any collection in the dominion, if not in the world. Other native plants in the collection ineluded well-grown specimens of the nikau palm, kauri, nohutukawa, and other northern trees’ and shrubs which appeared to be quite at home in these various positions. The nature of the soil and the mildness of the climate on th© rising ground at the Gardens enabled a much wider range of plants, both native and exotic, to be grown to advantage than was possible in many other centres. ■ The collection of trees and plants that Mr Tannock was getting together—all plainly labelled, and, in the case of New Zealand natives, with both the native and scientific name—would prove of inestimable vplue. Now that Mr Cheesoman had passed away the need for an arboretum was more pressin ir than over. It was doubtful if a more suitable place could be obtained in the southern portion of New Zealand in which to carry on arboriculture, and certainly there was none more easily available to th© public and visitors’ than the Gardens. In view of the possibility of a start being made here in connection with the Institute of Horticulture and the proposed School of Horticulture, the work in' progress at the Botanic Gardens was of more than local interest.