NEW PLYMOUTH GARDENS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1921, Page 7

NEW PLYMOUTH GARDENS.

‘‘BROOKLANDS'’ AND “MARANUI.” OPEN TO PUBLIC TO-MORROW. In writing Home shortly after their arrival in New Plymouth many of the settlers of the early forties waxed enthusiastic in their description of the beautiful surroundings of their new homes, and expressed the opinion that Nature could not have been so bountiful in her gifta to any other part of New Zealand. Hence they called Taranaki the “Garden of New Zealand,” and whilst other parts have since laid claim to the title there can be little doubt but that few localities have been so richly endowed as New Plymouth and district. Nature has eloquently displayed her structural versatility in every direction, from seashore to eloud-piercing mountain peak, but particularly in the wealth of subtropical vegetation and the variety of flora. Alan has aided Nature. In the first place, he took care to preserve the beauty spots in and near the town, and then he introduced flowering shrubs and trees, which gave variety and brightness and contrast to the wonderful range of evergreens provided by Nature. And how they have thriven! Nowhere in the Dominion—indeed, nowhere in the wide world—do the rhododendrons, azaleas, azalea mollis, camellias, flowering cherries, etc. do as well as in New Plymouth. Conditions here, it would seem, are more suitable for their growth and development than in their native habitat. The same remark applies to the conifers and other exotics: they show far greater growth than elsewhere. It is not generally known that the pinus insignus and pinUs murieata make greater bead way and better timber than in Central America, whence they originated and that, consequently, the leading arbor-culturiets of Europe and America obtain their seed from New Zealand, the greater part from North Taranaki.

Pukekura Park is one of the town's most precious possessions. It is renowned for its beauty all over Australasia, and is justly considered one of the sights of New Zealand. But this is only one of New Plymouth’s beauty spots. The others are. of course, not *>o extensive, but they are equally interesting and beautiful. .Amongst these “Brooklands,” the picturesque home of Mr. Newton King, and “Maranui,” that of Mr. T. C. List, are prominent. The grounds adjoin, and three or four times a year their owners open them to the public. They will be open to-morrow afternoon, and to those who love flowers, trees and shrubs, and Nature in its primeval state, a feast is in store.

Mr. King is an ardent lover of Nature, and for thirty years or more has been constantly improving “Brooklands,” until to-day they are acknowledged by those competent to express an opinion to be the most beautiful and interesting private gardens in the Dominion. He spares no trouble and no expense in these improvements, and, like the true lover of Nature, he best enjoys the gardens by sharing them with the public or visitors. BEAUTY OF “BROOKLANDS/’ A News’ reporter lately had the pleasure of taking a stroll over “Brooklands.” and it w r as with some difficulty that he tore himself away from the profusion of flowers and the beauty of .the gardens. Since the gardens were last thrown open, that part t»f the grounds on the right as yon enter have been opened up considerably, some big trees removed, and flowering shrubs transplanted, and to-day it is a mass of bloom and color. In the midst is seen an expensive cineraria bed of transcedent beauty and wonderful range of color. One expects to see rich and unique blooms in the glass-house, but not out in the open like this bed is. It is truly a magnificent sight, enhanced by the blaze of color from various rhododendrons near by; big. ancient trees they are. but flowering wonderfully. Along side is the kalmia. in full bloom, and. standing erect and stately, the rewarewa (honeysuckle), a very fine specimen that must have stood there for a hundred years and more.

As you emerge from thia, charming quarter, you notice the great Spanish chestnut tree, planted in the early forties by Captain King, R.N., and now covering well over a quarter acre space; the copper beach (which has thrown out considerable foliage since last year), the dainty Japanese maples, the sweetsmelling magnolias, interspersed with of roses, tulips, etc., and thence onward you reach the roses.

Who says you cannot grow roses in New Plymouth? Just see the collection here, and you will agree that nothing finer can be seen irt the gardens regarded as the home of roses in New Zealand. The fact is that to get the best results you must understand the conditions. and Mr. T. Bolton, the head gardener, one of the most successful gardeners in the country, has made a special study of rose culture, and the results speak for themselves. It is rather late in the season for roses, of course, but notwithstanding some very fine blooms are still to bn se»n. The lawns are a distinctive feature of “Brooklands," and this year they are better and bigger than ever. The stately rimu lends effect to the rose lawn, and behind it is one particularly fine paritiwhetu (horse-shoe) fern that should not be missed. In the bush, further back towards the mountain, is a huge karaka tree, a really magnificent specimen that most people miss who visit the grounds. That and the big purin, on the way to “Maranui,” are not the least interesting features of these unique gardens. FEATURES OF “MARANUI.” “Maranui” is worth a visit if for no other reason than for the magnificent views of native bush obtainable frdm various parts of the gardens. But this is not all. Flower beds are dotted about the glades and gullies, and afford pleasing contrast to the background of native bush. The tree fern is seen here in great abundance, groves of them there are. and a lovely sight they P re ' sent at the present time. Well kept paths wind in and out through bush and fern until you reach the top, where lawns and borders, all in beautiful order, provide a becoming setting for the house. Dotted on some of the lawns are beds of annuals, which lend a very pleasing effect to the surroundings. From the vegetable garden, cut off by a high hedge, can be obtained a unique view of Mt. Egmont. The writer , had almost forgotten to state that in the lower parts are two very fine beds, one of iris, which are now emerging into bloom, and the other of cineraria, which i«s a perfect blaze of

color. “Maranui” has been improved in many respects during the year, and its present condition reflect* considerable credit upon the gardener (Mr. H. Rampton). Altogether a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon is provided for tomorrow. For pedestrians the best route is via the park, through “Brooklands” and “Maranui,” thence back through the racecourse. A finer walk could hardly be conceived. Motorists can enter either “Brooklands” or “Maranui” and leave their cars there, walking through both gardens.