The Belmont Rhododendron Dell was planted in 1935 by The
Wellington Beautifying Society.
The Wellington Beautifying Society was founded by James William
Matthews.In 1944 Jim launched the monthly magazine New Zealand
Gardener , which was published by A. H. & A. W. Reed. More info
can be found at the following Web page.Link
A large planting programme was carried out along the Hutt road
and school children have evinced thier keenest interst in
beautifying school grounds by the planting of flowering trees and
scrubs.
The Belmont Rhododendron Dell advisabily was considered in a
public meeting held in the Council Chamber when the society was
formed. Mrs Gilmer pointed out that The Rhododendron Dell in
Dunedin was one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Christchurch had its collection of rhododendrons along the banks of
the Avon River and in its botanical garden.
Ever scince its first meeting The Wellington Beautifying Society
was eager to establish a Rhododendron Dell and co-operating with Mr
J G MacKenzie Director of Parks and Reserve, a most suitable spot
was selected in the Botanical Gardens near the children's play
area. It was difficult to secure a more suitable spot. The
Rhododendron was planted with a background of native shrubs and
trees, and visitors to the garden will see rhododendron, "the
queen of flwering shrubs" in all thier splendour in the Belmont
Rhododendron Dell.
The Wellington Beautifying Society had endeavoured to give to
the citzens of Wellington a collection of popular and beautiful
specimens of rhododendrons, so that the dell was not only an
extremely attractive place but one where gardeners may go and
observe what varieties they may wish to purchase for thier own
gardens. The Wellington Beautifying Society planted over one
hundred rhododendrons in thier first planting season and most of
the plants were well grown so flowered very shortly afterwards, but
it took about two years before it was fully in its own
splender.
The Belmont Rhododendron Dell situated on the west bank of the
Hutt River the Belmont Domain contains the Hardwick-Smith Lounge (a
community facility), a Scout den, barbecue facilities, tennis
courts, a children's play area and toilets. The domain is the venue
for the Belmont Spring Festival.
The cache is a 1 litre camoed sistema containing a logbook,
pencil and a few swaps.
Please replace it back to the
exact position that you found it as we don't want it to be muggled
as this location is a VERY high muggle
location.
Please NOTE that if you must sign
the logbook for each individual cachers or proof of a photo for
group logs to be emailed to the owner otherwise you log may be
deleted.