GARDENS AND RESERVES

Southland Times, Issue 22107, 30 August 1933, Page 3

GARDENS AND RESERVES

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Reporting to the City Council on work in the gardens and reserves the superintendent stated:— The central gardens have been largely renovated and improved. In No. 1 gardens a large bed has been prepared and planted with Hydrangeas and 3 l-3rd chains of stone kerbing laid. In No. 2 Gardens a further six chains of stone kerbing has been laid, this presenting a much smarter appearance to the edges. The new Herbaceous border is now permanently planted with suitable perennials and will be a vast improvement, giving long and lasting colourful displays at all seasons. In No. 3 Gardens the shrub borders have been rearranged and many new plants added. Two beds of hybrid brooms have replaced exhausted shrubs. An avenue of poplars has been formed and the plants spaced at intervals of 6ft. In future years, as development takes place, alternate plants may be removed. On either side of the creek banks the old shrubs have been removed and replaced by pussy willows and orlearia macrodonta at intervals of half a chain in each case. The hedges in this garden have been trimmed and partially got into shape. In No. 4 Gardens under the trees all long grass has been closely mown back in order that the bulbs may come through and give a better display. Willows and olearias have been planted along the creek bank on the southern side here too. All trees planted have been staked and securely tied.

Queen’s Park.—The stable enclosure has been completely cleared of stumps and an extending circular trench dug around it and planted with Cupressus Macrocarpa in order that the view of these buildings may be completely cut off in a few years. A car park has been made at the golf links and some drainage work effected. All new roses have been planted and they include dwarf bush, polyantha and climbing sorts. Many beds have been trenched and replanted and all rose bushes are now thoroughly pruned and sprayed. Twelve chains of neat stone kerbing has been laid to replace the old board fringes. Trees throughout the grounds have been looked over, replacements made where necessary and staking and tying attended to. Nursery.—Large batches of seed are now sown for late spring and summer displays. Cuttings of chrysanthemums and ornamental shrubs have been inserted. Large quantities of plants are coming forward for the glasshouse and accommodation is fully taxed. A thousand Iceland poppies have been lined out for cut flower purposes. All work is well up to time.