NEW RHODODENDRON DELL

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1933, Page 6

NEW RHODODENDRON DELL

PUKEKURA PARK PROPOSAL

PURCHASE OF RARE VARIETIES. USE OF PORTION OF BEQUEST. The formation of an extensive rhododendron dell at Pukekura Park with the £350 bequeathed to the board by the late Mr. C. Sanders for that purpose was discussed by the Pukekura Park Board last night. A sub-committee was appointed to arrange for the purchase from a British firm of rare rhododendron plants to the value of £lOO and to investigate possibilities of securing other species in New Zealand. Mr. V. C. Davies, one of the trustees appointed by the late Mr. Sanders, said it was realised that the present dell was inadequate for the improvements and extensions made possible by the bequest. With Mr. D. A. Walker, the other trustee, he believed the new area under consideration could be made into one of the finest rhododendron dell; in the Southern Hemisphere. For that purpose the best plants in the world, within reason, would, have to be procured. There were many good varieties in the Dominion, but he suggested a British firm should be asked to supply up to £lOO worth of the more rare varieties. The importing season was between December and January and the orders would have to be dispatched in the next few weeks. The plants would come to New Zealand in cold storage, continued Mr. Davies. Upon arrival they could be acclimatised and protected at the same time by being planted in a private area before being transplanted to the park. Colour scheme and background were two features that had to be taken into consideration when the dell was being planted. The volcanic, soil and the amount of shade in the proposed dell made it one of the finest locations for such a purpose. Messrs C. E. Bellringer, F. Parker and T. Horton (superintendent) also spoke, and it was decided that Messrs Davies, Parker, J.. McLeod (chairman) and the superintendent should comprise a committee to arrange for the purchase of rhododendrons from Britain and Nev/ Zealand.