BEAUTIFICATION PLANS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20035, 6 September 1939, Page 11

BEAUTIFICATION PLANS

PARK DOMAIN AVENUE NEW SPECIES OF TREES ONLY TWO IN DISTRICT Plans for the beautification. of the Park Domain avenue were discussed at a meeting of the Gisborne Borough Council last night. The supervising gardener, Mr. T. R. Andrew, submitted a report on the proposal and suggested the inclusion of trees of a type which was comparatively new to the Gisborne district, there being only two he knew of. “There is scope and opportunity for growing some very fine ornamental as well as useful shade trees,” the report states. “No doubt, the avenue at some period or other will be used fairly extensively for the parking of cars and perhaps for picnic groups. Keeping this in mind, I have selected trees which will grow to suitable proportions and shapes, viz., lagunaria pattersonii and eucalyptus ficifolia. Spread of 40ft. “The former in mature state reaches a height of 25ft. with a spread of 30ft. to 40ft., is evergreen, the leaves being of a beautiful pale green with a light greyish reverse. Flowers appear in the late spring and continue until late in the autumn, and are followed by large fluted oval pale green or greyish seed pods which, although inedible, are extremely ornamental. There are probably only two trees of this species on the Poverty Bay flats. “The latter, eucalyptus ficifolia, is too well known to need much description here, but has been selected for hardiness and drought-resisting qualities as well as for harmonising with the lagunaria. All Itequiicments “These trees which have been selected, when planted alternatively along the avenue, should fulfil all the requirements for which they have been chosen. “The , large triangular area inside the grounds on the eastern corner and adjacent to the avenue, I believe, would be a very suitable place for carrying out the,following scheme of planting. As a centrepiece, two large quercus, or cork oak, wide-spreading and deep evergreen foliage; outer edges to be planted with ornamental gums and acacias.” The report was adopted.