AVENUE OF BIRCHES

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1940, Page 8

AVENUE OF BIRCHES

ROAD TO PUKEKURA PARK An avenue of silver birch trees has heen planted at the southern end of Liardet Street, New Plymouth, extending to ' the gates of Pukekura Park. Originally this avenue was planted to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty after the Great War of 1914-18. The end trees on each side are puriris and these were planted by Mr. C. H. Burgess (mayor at the time) on July 21, 1919. „ Between the puriris flowering chernes were planted but these did not flourish and it was recently decided that these should be replaced. The trees chosen were silver blrches, "Lady of the Woods," one of the most beautiful of all deciduous trees. Fourteen of these lovely trees now stand in the places formerly occupied by the cherries and, with the puriris at each end, the avenue is now complete. The puriri trees have been pruned back and with their fine upright trunks should soon throw out vigorous top growth of dark green foliage which will make a striking contrast to the delicate tints of the birch trees, most of which are already showing tiny leaves. Substantial timber guards protect the newly planted trees but the puriris, which stand sentinel at each end of the rows, are now sturdy enough to withstand the assaults of possible vandals and'it ls hoped that the birches will escape damage so that this entrance to New Plymouth's beautiful park may soon 'present the' picture which the designers of the approach had in view.