CITY BEAUTIFICATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 117, 21 May 1942, Page 6

CITY BEAUTIFICATION

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT VIRGINIA LAKE IMPROVEMENTS The past season had been exceptionally suitable for the culture of nursery stock and large quantities of ornamental, flowering, evergreen ano deciduous trees, and hedge plant were available for planting out, stated the superintendent of parks and reserves, Mr. S. I. Cox, in his annua, report to the Wanganui City Council A record number of annuals, perennials, etc., was raised, the report added. Including spring, summer and autumn planting, and sometimes dual planting due to adverse weather or pest conditions, a total of half a million was transplanted As follows: i Virginia Lake, Great North Road and Winter Garden are<% 170,000; ; Moutoa Gardens, foreshore and carriers’ stand plots, 120,000; esplanade [ 120.000; Cook’s Gardens and Ladies' t Rest grounds, 25,000; Queen’s Park, 7000: "Taylorville, southern approach to citv, Durie Hill Tower plots and ; Polson Park, 30,000; Jackson Street, Racecourse and Lifliton Street triangles, 8000; Aramoho Park, 2000: Castiecliff Domain, 1000; Municipal ; Golf Links, 600; Victoria Park and View Point, 25,000. Improvement at the northern end, involving the excavation of three lakelets and beautification of this : area, was the principal work in Virginia Lake Reserve, Mr. Cox stated. On the Great North Road, opposite the main entrance, four terraces were : formed with manuka scrub wired to macrocarpa posts. Five thousand mixed annuals were planted on these 1 terraces in order to keep a full show of blooms at all times. An effort was made to keep a good display for each month at the Centennial Memorial Winter Gardens and environs. This was made possible by the addition of a propagating house, including its heating system. “Some losses were experienced, due to very low temperatures in the winter months, and an endeavour will be made to keep the temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees during cold spells,” Mr. Cox added. “Improvements and lawn extensions have been ma/'.e to the area adjoining the Winter Garden. Old cypress trees were cut out and flower beds formed. “In the rear of the main building 1 several paths were formed, making easier access to Babbage's Hill, where ' a good view of the lake can be obtained. One hundred and fifty rhododendrons, 300 hydrangea and 300 new and rare trees and shrubs have been ’ planted in this area.”