3 
New reinforced concrete tanks for storage of water were built on Lawn 
T for the orchids and on Lawn X for flowering pot plants, replacing old 
and unsightly iron drums. 
A series of compost bins was constructed on Lawn Z alongside Palm 
Valley Road, in a position which allows easy loading and unloading of 
them by the lorry. These bins have proved satisfactory and have turned out 
considerable quantities of good compost. The present temporary construc¬ 
tion of nibong posts and wire netting will be replaced by brickwork as 
opportunity offers. 
BEDS AND BORDERS 
The Lantana border planted on Lawn O in 1950 proved less satisfactory 
than was expected and was removed and replaced by a mixed planting of 
dwarf shrubs and herbaceous perennials, which is more attractive. 
Ixoras from three beds above the plant house were removed to form 
a hedge on Lawn Z below the Assistant Director’s quarters. The beds were 
remodelled and planted with orange and yellow Crossandra imdulcefolia. 
A new border was made on Lawn L near the office to accommodate the 
Duranta collection. The Durantas in the border at the eastern end of Lawn 
O, having become much too big, were removed, the border dug and heavily 
manured and planted with a collection representing all the Ixoras in culti¬ 
vation in the Gardens, with between them groups of herbaceous perennials 
and dwarf shrubs. 
In the centre of the lawn near this border the large round bed of 
Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia), which was becoming untidy, was re¬ 
duced in size and planted with seedling Platycodon prand ifloras, a Cam¬ 
panula-like plant, which made an unusual and attractive display. 
The collection of standard Hibiscus surrounding the Sundial Terrace 
was lifted, manured and replaced, and the plants were improved by this 
treatment. 
A collection of Pitcairnea was planted in a suitable border on Lawn O. 
Thirteen species of Strophanthus, mainly African in origin, some of 
which may have economic possibilities, were put out on Lawn R, but so 
far growth has been unsatisfactory. 
The Cannas bordering Main Gate Road on Lawns A and B were re¬ 
planted in January and provided a good display until August, when growth 
became less vigorous. They were then top dressed with cattle manure and 
continued to provide a reasonable display of colour until the end of the 
year. 
PLANT HOUSE 
The plants here were maintained in good order by regular manuring 
and replacement when necessary. The small planthouse was never without 
a varied display of orchid hybrids. 
THE LAKE 
The Lake was cleaned in July when the level was lowered to allow 
the construction of a new inlet channel. Periodical weeding is done from 
a boat and this keeps in check the growth of Hydrilla and other water 
weeds. The Gouramy fish mentioned in the 1950 report as a reputed check 
on Hydrilla have not yet been obtainable. 
40 
