SIGNS OF SPRING

Wairarapa Daily Times, 21 August 1936, Page 4

SIGNS OF SPRING

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERING PLUM.

The appearance of the wattle bloom is usually the first sign of the approach of spring and all round Masterton this beautiful yellow blossom is, to be seen in its green foliage background. With the mild weather of the past two weeks, the flowering plum (prunus pissardi) has made its appearance and a walk through Miriam and Archer streets to the back gates of the Park, from Bannister Street, presents a sight well worth while. On either side the trees are a mass of white blossom, only one tree, at the very end, being a pink. This tree, Mr H. S. Sturgeon, custodian of the Park, says is, in his opinion, a throwback. Quite often the flowering plum, of which there are seven different varieties, will throwback more to the pink. From here one should pass into the park, where all round can be seen signs of the approach of spring. On the island in the lake may be seen several varieties of flowering plum, including pink and double pink. Tone is added to the scene by pink and red varieties of japonica. In a few weeks the custodian expects to have some good shows of pansies, primroses and a large border of Iceland poppies.

At the present time the Oval is receiving attention, having been run over with harrows to remove all dead grass. The running track and various circket pitches are receiving careful attention prior to top dressing.