AWARDS SOON TO BE MADE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 8

AWARDS SOON TO BE MADE

JUDGING OF FACTORY GARDENS VISITS PAID YESTERDAY Well laid out and attractively planted gardens have for many years adjoined a large number oi' factories in Christchurch and its surroundings. The annual competition held by the Horticultural Society, in conjunction with the Manufacturers' Association, brings into prominence the value of these gardens, both in beautifying the city and in affording pleasure and recreation to employees.

For the purposes of the competition the gardens arc divided into two grades, according to the length of time they have been established, and a challenge cup j's awarded in each grade. The judging this year is being done by Mr M. J. Barnett, superintendent of the city parks and reserves, and Mr 11. 1.. Darton, secretary of Ihe Horticultural Society. The inspections were begun last week, and continued yesterday. Of the dozen or so gardens in the competition, only two remain to be judged. These will be inspected towards the end of the week, and the award announced. Yesterday's Visits Yesterday six gardens were visited. That of the Gas Company in Moorhouse avenue showed a most unusual form oi' adornment in the shape of plants in large tubs. There were attractive flower beds, and the garden oL' the works manager. Mr F. Dull, which adjoined that of the works, made a very pleasing addition. Here there was a tennis court which was available for use by the employees. The garden of Messrs Bunting and Company was marked by a very fine rose garden at the back of the factory. Seats were provided for the employees in this very pleasant surrounding. The lay-out of' Messrs Aulscbrook's garden was most, attractive. The bowling green and asphalt tennis courts Were an outstanding feature, and several seats were placed in what appeared to be a much frequented garden. A New Gartlcn

The first visit paid in Ihc afternoon was to the garden ot Ihe Sanitarium Health Food Company at Papanui. This garden, which was first laid out HtHc more than IB months ago, was in excellent trim, and gave evidence.' of verv careful work on the part of the gardener, Mr E. Brandstater. A drain had been made into a pleasing' water-eourse, crossed by artistic bridges, the lawns were fresh and well kept, and the flower beds tastefully laid out. There were 'wo rockeries covered with wild thyme, heather, dwarf azaleas, and other rock plants, while a clump of flowering fruit trees was showing very good growth. A formal lily and fish pond was another pleasing feature. It is proposed to make a pergola which will probably be covered with Virginia creeper and grape-vine. An avenue of rowan or mountain ash trees made a very striking entrance to the garden of Messrs Thos. Korlhwick and Sons' freezing works, Belfast. The lawns and beds wen: well kepi, and there were some very fine shrubs. Part <>f the garden surrounded a large concrete reservoir, showing how the necessary equipment of the works can be made pleasing at the same time.

The garden at the North Canterbury Freezing Works, Kaiapoi, had a very good collection of native shrubs. This garden had suffered considerably from the drought, and there was a shortage of artesian water for keeping the lawns fresh. Both the judges expressed pleasure at having visited the gardens, and spoke of the work that had been done in watering them and keeping (hem up to standard during the exceptionally dry season. Mr Darton said that it was greatly to the credit of the firms 1o spend money on the gardens during the present adverse economic condit ions. The remaining gardens to be judged are those of Messrs Wood Brothers' flour mills, Addington, and the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Islington. The gardens of the following firns had already been inspected Lst week:--Messrs T. J. Edmonds, Ltd., Davis Gelatine Company. Messrs Fleming and Company, and Nugget Polish Company.