Founding Eastwoodhill Arboretum

the history of eastwoodhill arboretum remain permanently connected life of william douglas cook (1884–1967). douglas cook, cookie close friends, born 28 october 1884 @ new plymouth, new zealand. in 1910, established farm of 250 hectares in ngatapa settlement, calling property eastwoodhill , after mother s family home in thornliebank near glasgow. first foundations present arboretum laid then. douglas cook started creating garden immediately. planted trees, roses, flowers, shrubs , vegetables.

during first world war, cook volunteered serve in army. in france, lost sight of right eye , subsequently stayed in scotland family recover. inspired gardens , parks of england , came in contact sir arthur william hill, later become director of kew gardens.

in 1918, @ eastwoodhill, douglas cook started planting thousands of pinus radiata wood production , fire-wood. planted eucalyptus viminalis , e. macarthurii. started creating parkland with, amongst others, platanus orientalis, different kinds of ulmus, acer pseudoplatanus , a. platanoides. in year lombardy poplars planted alongside poplar avenue later main entrance drive. in 1919 ordered 1,996 trees , shrubs , in 1920 total of 3,387, of 2 , half thousand trees , shrubs intended garden. plantings included cabbage tree avenue (restored in 2006).

planting interrupted journeys england in 1922 , 1924 in 1926 garden extended thousands of tulips, hyacinths , peonies netherlands.

got serious, said biographer , former curator garry clapperton in interview john mortimer. started designing corner park, , continued cabin park, long road poland, douglas park , cathedral.