BOCK GARDEN SOCIETY'S PICNIC.'

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 46, 24 April 1930, Page 3

BOCK GARDEN SOCIETY'S PICNIC.'

Between fifty and sixty members and friends attended the picnic, arranged by tie N.Z. Alipine and Bock Garden Society, held at Orongorongo last Saturday. They assembled at Riddiford Gardens and after a brief inspection of the Rockeries by some of the Wellington visitors, moved off in motor cars at about 10 a.m. The weather was delightful fot the excursion and after t&e climb up the Wainui Hill and feasting on the magnificent panorama of the Hutt Valley to be obtained from the Summit, a descent was made into the valley of the Wainui-o-mata which leads by a winding and somewhat narrow road to the open sea.

Tie party had the good fortune to be invited by Mr. Eric Riddiford to visit his grounds, where everyone soon found a great deal of common interest The party was met.by Mr, Riddiford and his head gardener, Mr. F. G. Clarke, who spared no pai»s in showing them through the glass houses and over the spacious gardens, where they found a great deal of interest to them.

The rock garden, built on the hillBide, with a natural mountain stream running through, the centre, was a veritable paradise, particularly to the Alpine enthusiast, who was quick to detect some rare specimen of native Alpine flora and <to hold an "inquest" upon it. What joyy when he discovered some unexpected treasure! Maybe it was so small that it would be missed except by the trained eye, but having found it, the joy must be shared with those around, in order that they, too, may be the happier for having seen this tiny rock-plant of exquisite beauty. No lover of nature could fail to be happy in such a garden and though he might not attach as much importance to some tiny plant as his neighbours, 'he was urged to climb to the summit through its winding paths and steps, that he might enjoy the magnificent panorama tJiat was presented. Looking seawards he was fascinated by trhe'majestic beauty of the breakers pounding on the beach and the dancing foam sparkling in the sunlight. It was terrible! It was fierce! It was grand! And he too was the happier fort-having seen it. Casting his gaze over the landscape he saw at the. foot of tie lofty hills the home of a pioneer, t-he resting place of a home Tjuilder who loved to be with natuTe.

When one viewed the lovely home, su-rrounded by its exquisite gardens, with, their brilliant flowers, green lawns, and shelter trees, -and east his mind back but a few years when the landscape was covered with scrub and unattractive vegetation, he was happy to think that another lovely spot has been placed on the landscape of New Zealand.

After the billy had been boiled and the hunger of the party had been satisfied, further .excursions were made around the neighbourhood and notes exchanged. Great interest was taken in a fine collection of chrysanthemums which Mr. Clarke had grown in the Winter Garden and f root which «he had feeently exibited some particularly fine blooms at the local flower show^ Tie billiard room and lounge, proved particularly attractive to the ladies, who were deeply interested in the many fine specimens of carving and antique furniture housed in the spacious rooms. During tiie afternon the opportunity wa* taken by the president of the Society, Mr- Hope B. Gibbons, to thank Mr. Biddiford for his hospitality. Mr. Attwood, the Director of the Society and tie organiser of the picnic expressed his pleasure at the good attendance and outv^ined the work that tjie Society was doing in the inte*ests of alpine horticulture.

The pa-rty was led by Mr. Lawton, of the Education Department, whose extensive ' knowledge of alpine flora was of .considerable assistance to the members an -correctly naming many of our unInown specimens.

The party was particularly indebted to Mr, Clark t-he head gardener, who demoted the whole day to promoting the comfort and pleasure of the visitors.

Peeling thoroughly satisfied ■with the -enjoyable outing, the party left for tome at about 4.15 and reached Lower Hutt about an houT later.