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quadrangle was prepared; a large number of beds were made, Cannas being 
planted along each side of the roadway, and elsewhere flowering shrubs. 
Flowering trees were spaced round the area, and Casuarinas planted in 
groups. 
Hill Gardens .—The work for the year was principally maintenance, 
with one or two small improvements. At Strawberry Hill the railings were 
removed from the inner part of the garden, the design slightly altered and 
new beds planted. Climbing plants such as Congea, Allamanda and Ipomcea 
were planted to cover bare banks, and Cassias replaced two old “cherry” 
trees (Muntingia). A hedge of Bougainvillea was planted along the top of 
the bank above the railway station, another at Bellevue and a third at the 
Crag Hotel. These Bougainvillea hedges are very successful on the hill, 
being vigorous in growth and free-flowering. Further new planting of the 
local conifer Dacrydium elatum was carried out at Strawberry Hill and 1 
elsewhere. Experience has shown that this is likely to remain the most 
effective conifer for hill planting, but it is unfortunately slow in growth. 
The Pinus Merkusii trees between Convalescent and Fern Hill have 
continued to grow well and will soon make an attractive grove. 
Advice was given concerning planting of trees near the hill railway. 
A considerable number have now been planted, and these will be followed 
by shrubs and climbers. 
R. E. HOETTUM, 
Director of Gardens, S.S. 
