THE ROSE WALK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20323, 3 February 1928, Page 7

THE ROSE WALK.

PROFUSION OF BLOSSOMS. BOTANIC GARDENS IN SUMMER. A place of ever-changing floral bea“ty 1. xthe Botanic Gardens of Dunedin. 1 its tree-studied confines no views or asplays remain the same, and week by week they alter with the fascination of a kaleidoscope, unfolding fresh and entrancing beauties of colour and design. A nature-lover cannot weary of this sh tered oasis at the foot of the green hills. rather does lie regret_ the inexorable law that allows a season s product so one a span of life. To-day the gardens offer among their varied 'summer displays a, flo |f„ that is outstanding in its old-world chain, and its massed profusion of dainty coloui. It is a long avenue or roses—the last ana hardiest of this beautiful family—that leads to the south-eastern entrance to the glass-houses which form the winter gardens. On either side of the pathway, standards with connecting arches are set at short intervals, and on each rambler roses have pureued a determined course upwards. They are now in ful bloom and the effect is indeed delightful. the visitor who is wise enough to enter the gardens from the side gate, finds himself facing a gravel walk, lined and roofed with netals—a sight which, in its sheer beauty of effect, could hardly be surOn the lawns to the right and the left of the walk are pillars and weeping standards of roses, each adding its cluster of colour to the area traversed by the arched path, and the effect is completed by the green background of shrubs and trees in the near and middle distance. In beds throughout the lower portion of the gardens, sweet peas continue to flower, while delicately tinted carnations are beginning to unfold in other spots. In addition to these beds, there are massed displays of summer blossoms at intervals on the sloping sides of the hill. These have been arranged for the purpose of encouraging sightseers to mount the tree clad slopes and explore further. Every turning in the paths hides some new and entrancing collection of blossom, and the tramp to the upper nursery portions is well rewarded. Indoors a transformation has been wrought hy a complete renovation and “ spring clean ” of the glass house. This is the first time such a work has been carried out for 18 years, and the result is a great improvement, particularly in regard to lighting. The light is no n softened and well-subdued throughout, and visitors will appreciate the effect that has been achieved. The larger palms ha e been pruned and trimmed, this having been carried out successfully, and the plants, which were carefully protected from the paint and dust, are now replaced upon the shelves. Begonias form the principal lisplay ndoors, and one house is reserved for a gorgeous display of colour in singles, doubles, frills, and crested blooms. ing baskets are distributed about the roo" of the house. Yellow and waxlike cradle orchids are to be fund in another house, and there is an excellent display of streptocarpus with glistening whites and blues as the predominating colours.