'Wonder Gardens' curator chuffed at Whanganui response

South Taranaki District archivist Cameron Curd says he and his staff had a lovely time setting up the exhibition because of all the local enthusiasm. Photo/Lin Ferguson

Aotea Utanganui Museum's district archivist Cameron Curd is happy that new exhibition The Wonder Gardens has attracted so many local people.

Set up around a central promenade on a carpet of grass throughout painted forestry screens, the exhibition hangs either side.

From old photographs, postcards, paintings and yellowed newspaper clippings the story of South Taranaki is told in a magical indoor park setting.

Cameron said he and his staff had a particularly lovely time setting up the exhibition because so many people throughout the area were keen to help.

"They brought in mementos for us to use which were very precious and collectable."

Cameron said he moved in an old china cabinet and asked people to each take a preserving-sized jar and fill it with ''garden memories''.

"The jars not only have flowers saved in them but old snapshots, sprinkles of sand from South Taranaki beaches, ribbons, sparkly ornaments and stars are all arrayed inside the jars as well as written messages of old camping trips and family picnics. It's really been fascinating.''

One exhibit that has been carefully read and noted by many is Rongoa the name for Maori medicines produced from native plants.

Cameron has set up either side of the written information and photographs in two small sets of drawers attached to the wall.

In each drawer is the native remedy and picture of the plant and the equivalent medication available in pharmacies today.

"There are three Maori healers here in Patea and they will come in in a few weeks and talk to people about their work.''

An attraction loved by adults and children alike is a dress-up box from yesteryear with wonderful old costumes including jackets, women's and men's hat, scarves and authentic antique parasols.

The longtime parks and gardens of South Taranaki were very fondly remembered, he said.

"One couple even sent us some film from their wedding in 1958 in King Edward Gardens in Hawera.''