A PLEASANT AFTERNOON.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1919, Page 4

A PLEASANT AFTERNOON.

SPENT IN TJdE GARDENS. ,: Brooklands" and "Marunui" private gardens were open to the puulic yesterday, and, tempted out oy the line webther large numbers attended. Tue weather conuitious have not been favorable for horticulture ilus season, but ju uieae i.oil-proieeteu pmces tho Uowers do not appear to have aiitfov.vl. "irooii.iiuiJs" improves every year, and this year tse improvement nas Iteen more mailed tnau ever. The beautiful grounds, enclosed in native bush which mrtunately has escaped the destructive hand—or axe —of uiau, are laid out with tile skill and taste oi the true artist and lover oi nature, the various flower plots, oi all sizes aud shapes, being arranged to harmonise with the surroundings, whilst the maples, oaks, topper' beeches, not to tpeak of the great fcpaniali chestnut tree that cants its Drunclics over a hundred ieet of sward, set in lawns that are as perfect as lawns can be in New Zealand, afford a contrast both striking and pleasing. All the Uowers are splendidly grown—better ot their various kinds could not be foiu.d anywhere, and a splendid advertisement for the district and a tribute to the skill of the head gardener (Mr T. Bolton). Many visitors to "Brooklands" miss the splendid paratawhiti (horseshoe) ferns. There is one behind the stately riihu that graces tho lawn near the glasshouse which is a perfect specimen of its kind. It is worth a visit in itself. Then tWe are the big puriris, one near the track into "Marunui" being accredited the largest of its species known. But the "piece de resistance'" just now is undoubtedly the Bcgonia-house. Mr. King has always a good showing of these delicate and beautiful flowc-:s, but he is constantly replenishing his stock from the nurseries of Europe, and the result as seen to-day can only "Ee described] as gorgeous. It is a feast for the eyes. All the blooms are wonderfully developed, some being eight incbej in diameter. And what exquisite color! The maidenhair and other delicate fems provide a pleasing background an-1 serve to enhance tho color effect The blooms are ranged on tiers, and on the other aide arc splendid collections of the choice and multi-colorcl gloxinias and pleasing strectocarpus. The house was crowded all the afternoon. One visitor was heard to exclaim that he had seen many collections, including those at Ivew Gardens. hut had observed nothing to equal this exhibition

Most of the visitors passed through Mie bush, to "MavanuiHere on one of the terraces Mr. F W. Sandford gave an exhibition of transferring bees from one hive to another and taking the honey, as well as showing an exhibition hive, where could be seen through the glass sides the busy little insects conducting their operations. The walk through the rich fern-laden gullies or glens, brightened by beds of flowers, the glimpws and views of the native bush, the lawns and taste-fully-arranged and well-kept garden beds and borjiers, completed an afternoon which to all was greatlv'enjoyed.