PUKEKURA PARK PRAISED

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1940, Page 9

PUKEKURA PARK PRAISED

MORE PUBLICITY NEEDED auckland woman'S view FINE SPRING DISPLAY

The opinion that more publicity should be given Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, was expressed by an Auckland woman who, having chanced upon the gates by aocident, was captured by the park's beauty. Had it not been for a fortunate c'nance which resulted in her being in the vicinity she would have left New Plymouth ignorant of the park's whereabouts. Admiration for the' park was also expressed by visitors from Hongkong, their entry in the visitors' hook commen ing that the park "is magnificent" and should not be missed." This entry is only one of many containing favourable comment by people from all paris of the Dominion. At present the park is showing to great advantage. There has been some rearrangement of the lavout of the gardens, one in particular being the planting of small fems about rimu trees. Beauties of Feniery.

Flower beds outside the entrance to Ihe fernery are being prepared for the planting of summer annuals, and there is a good showing of tulips. In the fernery there is a fine display of cinerarias which are now flowering. In another room Lady Slipper orchids have heen placed at intervals, the green flowers alternating with other pink blooms. By the magnificence of its blooms a creeper with red trumpet-shaped flowers Qapageria rosea perfida) attracts attention. Although not at present in full bloom,- it shows promise of great future beauty. After traversing a dark approach the brilliancy of flowers in the main room is the more fully realised by the sudden advent from darkness to light. Here cinerarias have been arranged in a profusion of colouring and flowers which could be seen in no ordinary garden. The most outstanding is a deep rust flower with petals of velvet smoothness. Adding their colours to the vividness of the showing are cyclamens and primula obconica. Orchids are well represented and show to advantage in their sur-

roundings. One orchid having five blooms has been in flower for over two months, while a large orange clivia also attracts attention. , , , Around the various walks and byways of the park spring is becoming more apparent every day, and many fine spectacles may be observed in odd corners. Hear the iake's edge there is a deciduous tree, a mass of pink and white blossom. which in particular makes a picturesque cameo in the grandeur of the parks panorama.