A few days ago, a huge deluge poured from the sky and overwhelmed Napier city. The streets became rivers and the storm water swirled with waste water and poured through people's homes; other dwellings perched up on the hill, began losing traction and suddenly parted company with sheds and foundations.
When you see just how little land there was to work with back before the earthquake, it's not surprising that such an unsuitable place to build a city might cause a few issues even a century later.
From a Burton Bros photo numbered 3163 Light House
Much of the town planning of this city seems to have been pragmatic- making the best of things with what was available and that often meant designating awkward spots for odd jobs- like the precipitous gully that was so unsuitable for housing so it became the Botanic gardens and a cemetery- a space in which to lay to rest those intrepid and often ill fated pioneers who had come from far off lands either to save souls, teach the locals a thing or too, or start a fresh life. It's still a tricky space the old Napier Hill cemetery- a rough little knoll that now harbours old bones and a great deal of beauty. It seems that there are few resources made available to the up keep of the space. There are occasional private keeper's and a few volunteers, but no one ever sees to get on top of things particularly. And I am so very glad- for in it it's unkemptness the land has given a chance and the wild plants grow in riotous abundance. We have managed to return this year in early November and have photographed as many of the roses that we could find, although there are others that we have just missed.
An old moss rose- richly beautiful.
This single red may be Eye Opener.
A pretty lemon rose
Gladioli Nanus- "The Bride". There are quite a few clumps of these.
Sally Holmes
Jubilee Celebration
such a gorgeous rose
that was by far and away the most exuberant of them all.
More Sally Holmes
A pretty lilac cornflower with rose pink centranthus ruber.
There are large numbers of swan plants all around the cemetery. The monarchs will come soon but meantime there were yellow admirals everywhere!
The graceful arching canes of Sally.
Quite a number of Seafoams dotted around- a highly resilient climber.
Lavender Lassie.
Compassion-most appropriate.
This soul garden is also home to a vast array of happy insects.
Perhaps the old rose Honorine de Brabant.
An interesting albino oak seedling.
A happy lot of Christmas lilies flanked by rose scented geraniums.
Mme Alfred Carriere.
Such a wonderful place deserves admirers
and lovers.
Lovers of beauty and wildness and peace.
The centranthus ruber in all three colours really does become quite riotous in late spring
right about the time that the oxe eye daisy makes it's appearance.
Hollyhocks enjoy the sunny aspects of the cemetery.
I wonder how many plants are there by design and just how many have volunteered themselves?
This thriving loquat tree is a nice addition.
Lavender and linaria are perfect companions.
Perle d'Or
More Seafoam
Such a pretty yellow.
This white broom was very pretty in early spring and has now formed these remarkable seed pods.
These is loads of euphorbia- the lime green flowers bring a lightness for many, many months.
There a number of Bloomfield's Abundance doing very nicely too.
And equally so, Mme Cecile Brunner- the sweetheart rose.
Mutabilus loves the cemetery too and is entirely suited to the position.
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