Willows in City Park & Cultural Landscaping

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REFERENCE PROVIDED BY Lionel Morrell _ Heritage Protection Society (Tas)

FROM TROVE – https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/39003096

THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS, LAUNCESTON. The Gardens of the Launceston Horticultural Society, which are situated at the lower part of Cameron-street, cover an area of nine acres, and have the principal entrance from Cameron-street. passing through the entrance gates the visitor finds himself -in a very pretty shrubbery terminated by a fountain which in the summer season sends forth a shower of sparkling water. From this point walks branch off to the right and left. Taking the path to the right we find that it leads to a portion of the gardens laid out in thei Italian style, consisting of terraced walks and banks covered with flowers and shrubs. One of these walks known as "the Rose Walk," is peculiarly attractive; bordered on each side by a high hedge of China roses, which are in full bloom from early spring till 'autumn and which exhale a delicious, fragrance, this constitutes of a summer evening a delight ful promenade. In this part of the garden, in some secluded spots amongst the shrubs are a few rustic bowers which afford a grateful shade and rest to the tired visitor. Here also from various points good views of the remainder of the gardens which are laid out in the English landscape style are to be observed. The surrounding scenery is also very beautiful; comprising' the valley of the Tamar, the banks of which are dotted here .and there with snug homesteads and cultivated spots; and the lovely valley of the North Esk which is greatly attractive, as possessing a close resemblance to th scenery of some parts of Old England,. Descending from the terraces we come to lawns of, considerable extent bordered with trees and shrubs, -amongst which are placed, a owt se.ata for the accommodation of visitors to' the Gardens. Iero once a year the children belonging to the various Sabbath Schools in the town come to hold their annual festival; and then their laughter as they engage in various sports ringrlight merrily through the summer air, ,and ever and anon a hymn sung by soma hundreds of childish voices, adds the incense of human praise'to the incense which ascends to. the Great Creator from His dther: worki.' In the centro of this lawq Is a:onDseriatory, heated by gas; the gift tif Alexnlder McNaughtan, Esq., and which contains a respectable collection of tropical plants. ' The' conservatory Is surrounded by a small garden in the Dutch style. Keeping to the left the pavillion is reached. This is a rustic building of considerable extent, and is built in the form of a cross, and covered with flowering creepers. It is fitted up for horticultural exhibitions, and is provided with an orchestra for musicians. The Gardens contain productions from almost every quarter of the world, and so genial is the climate of Tasmania that often some gorgeous plant of the tropics literally glowing with beauty may be found surrounded by the less showy yet not less lovely plants of Europe; we have said aot lens' lovely For an are exquisite.. and evsy ptlant Points to the ml.tlly had that formed it. The collection of English trees is rather large, and the trees themselves are very Judicoiualy placed-the delicate foliage of the elm and ash contrasting finely with the masses of 'leaves of the oak and the sombre hues of the holly and yew; and these are again relieved by the vivid green of some weeping willows which droop gracefully at various parts of tile Gardens. There is also a vinery containing upwards of thirty varieties of choice grapes which ripen well in a favorable season. Europe is represented' by the following trees--Ash, oak, elm, sycamore, poplar, laurel, holly, yew, juniper, cypress, ivy, laburnum, pinus, &c. America by agave, gleditechia, magnolia, pinus, rlus, ribes, robinfa, yucca. China and Japan-Ailan. thus, 'ancuba, cydonia, eoonymus, hy. dranges, thuja, wistaria. Capo of Good Hope - Aloe, melianthus, polygalan, podalyria, asophorw, ntherlandla, virgilia, protes. Amongst the products of the Australian Colonies will be found acacia, aroncarla, indigofera, callistemon, pimnele, swainsonta, pultenaea, sterculia, melia; and there are also the following indigenous to Tasmania:-Acacia, banksin, bhellairdura, bursers, casuarina, clematis, croton, eucalyptus, euribla, grevillen, hakes, borve, pomaderris, prostranthera, solaium. New Zealand has the following :--Clian thus, phormlum, veronica, podocarpus. Members of the Society with their families are entitled to admission tothe gardens at all times, parties not members are admitted on the payment of sixpence; and in consideration 'of an annual grant from the Government, the gardens are at the comlIencement of next year to be thrown open gratuitously'to the public for one day in each week. The gardens are under the superintendence of LMr. Wade, who, to a thorough knowledge of his beautiful art, adds the somewhat. rare quality of courtesy to his numerous visitors.