A place that rocks

I would like to commend the horticulturists who have created what is a magnificent sanctuary of tranquillity in the foothills of Kelburn. In this amateur nurseryman’s view, the allowance made for exotic species separates it from Zealandia for the better.

The Kauri Rock Garden arouses a sense of covetousness, and inspires feelings of personal arboreal inadequacy. The seamless transition from the torrid world of cacti and succulents to the shaded and dewy fernery is the floral equivalent of Vivaldi’s flawless shift from season to season in his own masterpiece.

It bemused me that the peace garden – such an important symbol – is concealed beside the prosaic and venal purveyors of oatmilk piccolos and almond croissants. It’s as if a garden dedicated to Oppenheimer’s remorse is so wrought with shame that it has hidden itself!

It is in dire need of expansion. Whence will the land come? Land that is, at present, a stone’s throw and caged in unsightly metal. The cage subserves the land to the minority of citizens who fetishise colonial sports.

This expanse could be repurposed for the enjoyment of the many, as opposed to the infrequent pleasure of the few.

Nick Williamson, Wellington