This group of 75 palms is the biggest planting in one location of Phoenix canariensis in the South Island. Also, most probably, it is the southern-most cluster of this palm in the world. Once Timaru’s port was established, Caroline Bay developed a sheltered sandy beach, and as it was very close to the centre of town, and the railway conveniently passed close by, it was quickly recognized as a key site for development in Timaru’s bid to be an important and attractive New Zealand city. Interestingly, earlier plantings occurred elsewhere in Timaru but these were reported to be unsuccessful [1]. This was not to be the case with the first plantings in Caroline Bay, on land elevated above the flat leading to the sea (see photos). The plantings were scheduled for the New Zealand Arbor Day date of August 1, 1945, but owing to sodden ground resulting from heavy rainfall, Arbor Day in Timaru was observed on September 12 [2]. On that day 8 Phoenix palms were planted, this being the first stage of many plantings as the Timaru Beautifying Society had bought 50 of the palms in an attempt to ‘give the Bay a tropical appearance’ [1]. It does not appear that all 50 were planted in the Bay gardens, however, in the early 2000s when a redevelopment of the whole Bay area was undertaken a further extensive planting of Phoenix palms was added (planted 2005). This was in a crossed-avenue design, with one double row leading from south to north up to the beach area, and the second going west to east. All the palms are thriving, but given the age of the oldest is accurately calculated as 79 years they appear slightly less tall than equivalent-age palms further north (for example in Auckland). Nonetheless, the desire of the local Beautifying Society to create a ‘tropical appearance’ is bearing fruit, and there is little doubt that as the younger palms grow taller they will make a significant sight (Lloyd, M., 2024).

References
1. ‘Arbor Day programme planned’ Timaru Herald, 14 July, 1945, p. 7.
2. ‘Trees for life’, Timaru Herald, 1 August, 1945, p. 4.