Duart House and Gardens is a 1.5 hectare reserve in Havelock North, which has had many different uses since the house was built in 1882 [1]. The two Phoenix palms recorded here are only 2 among 8 present on the grounds, but many of the others are seedlings of this pair; these being the only ones for which historic photos reasonably accurately establish a planting date. This being circa 1910 means that the palms are amongst the oldest in Hawke’s Bay. The black and white historic photo [2] shows Duart House when it was leased to a Mr and Mrs Crompton-Smith for use as St George’s co-ed school. In the foreground of the house at least one of the Phoenix palms can be clearly seen: given that the school existed from 1915-1921 an estimated planting date of 1910 seems reasonable given the size of the palm in the photo. The taller Washingtonia filifera appears to have been planted about the same time. As a trio they notably frame the grand old house, appearing in many publicity photos for the house. The gardens also contain a ‘Coronation Oak’ (Quercus robur) that was planted in 1902 [3].
Acknowledgement: Thanks to Joan Ruffett for information and a garden tour, and to Peggy van Asch for further information (Lloyd, M., 2023).
References:
1. Hastings District Council, 2015. Duart House and Gardens Reserve Management Plan.
2. ‘St George’s School, Havelock North’. Collection of Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust, 9248.
3. HBR/0603