Plants from Seed

1926

Truby King Collection SB 119 M486

London: Thornton Butterworth Ltd.

Albert James Macself’s Plants from Seed may have helped Truby King with his garden development at Melrose. King spent huge amounts of money importing seeds, seedlings, and plants from all over the world, especially from Belgium and French nurseries. His ‘dell’ had some 400 rhododendrons and was regarded as one of the best in the country. Thousands of bricks were used to build walls and garden features and King’s love of strawberries was evident in the fact that he had over 350 plants in several varieties. Sadly Bella died in January 1927 so she was not able to enjoy the gardens at their best. In 1932, after increased ill-health, King donated the entire property to the Plunket Society. He moved to one of his rental properties nearby.