SPRING GARDENS.

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 19992, 16 September 1936, Page 8

SPRING GARDENS.

DISPLAYS IN HAMILTON. BRIGHTER PUBLIC PARKS. The flowers ana foliage of the Hamilton parks are indeed the. harbingers of spring. Native shrubs and trees may be seen in all their glory, while blooms of every description are in evidence. Along the river hanks the willows have lost their wintry appearance and have resumed their verdant leafage. An imposing display is provided by the plots at Garden Place, where beds are planted in many of the besl -spring varieties, lending the streets a brighter atmosphere. Native trees are particularly noticeable at Memorial Park. Kowhais, totaras, and numerous other well-known native trees may now be seen at their best. Chief among the imported trees, are the Douglas fir, Silver Birch, Norfolk Island pines, and many varieties ol' the eucalyptus including the eucalyptus amygalini. Perhaps the most interesting tree in the park is the maidenhair tree, which is one of a family which existed long before the ice age. A very attractive tree is the Pearl, with its white flowers. Oaks and chestnuts are in leaf, and the 1 Chilian pine is also making a very fine display on the lawns of the park. Taking the shrubs on the whole there are few to compare with the bright foliage of the rhododendrons at "the edge of the' park nearest the river. A particularly unique shrub is

the “Monkey Puzzle.” It is fairly small, and has very sharp thorns, and is said to be poisonous but if handled in the correct manner is perfectly harmless. One can always rely upon the poppies to make a bright display, and those at Memorial Park are particularly good specimens. Perennial candytuft Is also In nbunnfthrc. The lately arranged lierbacious border is very attractive. Its edging of box makes an excellent contrast with the background of brightly coloured delphiniums, asters, helenium, and lupins. Echium, Tigridlas, perennial phlox, and gerbera are also there. Beds of polyanthus are' now coming into bloom. At Garden Place the beds are at their best with their neat arrangement. of stock, pansies, calendulas and daisies. The most noticeable of Hie latter is the Beilis petengris will! its beautiful red flower and green centre,