7 
Penang —The control of the Gardens at Bel Retiro and Strawberry Hill 
was taken over from the Public Works Department Overseer on March 9th. 
A large number of alterations have been made at Bel Retiro, both re-arrange¬ 
ments of beds and re-planting, and a considerable improvement effected. The 
removal of the vegetable garden to a site just below “Belle Vue” was begun. 
Development on Strawberry Hill and the terraces below it was continued, 
new beds prepared and necessary grassing carried out. A feature of these 
hill gardens, throughout the year was the excellance of the pot plants, parti¬ 
cularly dahlias. Among the plants in bloom during the latter part of the year 
the following - may be mentioned: Hydrangeas, Cornflowers, Nasturtiums, 
Heliotropium (exceptionally good) Hollyhocks and pansies. Wallflower plants 
were growing w r ell and should flower later. 
The usual inspections of roadside trees and Municipal Gardens were made 
by the Assistant Curator, and reports submitted where necessary. 
R. E. HOLTTUM, 
Acting Director of Gardens , S. S. 
24th April , 1926. 
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