William Douglas Cook, New Zealand farmer, founded the Eastwoodhill Arboretum (b. 1884)

William Douglas Cook (1884–1967) was a prominent figure in New Zealand's horticultural history, a man whose passion for plants shaped two of the nation's most treasured botanical institutions. Born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, on October 28, 1884, Cook dedicated his life to cultivating and understanding the natural world, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire and educate. He passed away in Gisborne, New Zealand, on April 27, 1967, but his vision endures in the landscapes he meticulously crafted.

Cook is primarily celebrated as the visionary founder of Eastwoodhill Arboretum, located near Gisborne. What began as his personal dream and an ambitious planting project on his sheep and cattle station gradually evolved over many decades into an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs from across the temperate world. Today, Eastwoodhill stands proudly as the national arboretum of New Zealand, a living library of woody plants that serves not only as a significant resource for scientific research and conservation but also as a breathtaking natural sanctuary for the public. Its vast collection represents a testament to Cook's foresight and his unwavering commitment to botanical diversity, a place where visitors can wander among thousands of different species, each with its own story.

Beyond Eastwoodhill, Cook also played a crucial role as one of the founders of Pukeiti, a renowned rhododendron garden situated close to his birthplace in New Plymouth, in the Taranaki region. This magnificent garden showcases an impressive array of rhododendrons and companion plants, thriving in the region's ideal climate. Pukeiti reflects Cook's broad horticultural interests and his collaborative spirit, contributing to another vital center for plant appreciation and study in New Zealand.

His unique approach to horticulture and his deep connection with the natural world were beautifully encapsulated in the description of him as "a plantsman with the soul of a poet and the vision of a philosopher." This phrase speaks volumes about William Douglas Cook: the poet's sensitivity allowed him to appreciate the intricate beauty and profound wonder of individual plants and their collective harmony, while the philosopher's vision enabled him to conceive and bring to life grand, long-term projects like Eastwoodhill that would mature and benefit future generations, far beyond his own lifetime. His work was not just about planting trees; it was about cultivating a legacy, understanding ecological systems, and creating spaces where people could connect with nature on a deeper level.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Douglas Cook

Who was William Douglas Cook?

William Douglas Cook (1884–1967) was a distinguished New Zealand plantsman and horticulturist, renowned for founding Eastwoodhill Arboretum, which is now the national arboretum of New Zealand, and for co-founding the rhododendron garden Pukeiti.

What is Eastwoodhill Arboretum?

Eastwoodhill Arboretum, located near Gisborne, is New Zealand's national arboretum. It began as William Douglas Cook's private collection and has grown into a vast living collection of temperate climate trees and shrubs from around the world, serving as a significant botanical resource and public garden.

What is Pukeiti?

Pukeiti is a prominent rhododendron garden near New Plymouth, New Zealand. William Douglas Cook was one of its founders, contributing to the establishment of this beautiful garden focused on rhododendrons and other companion plants, thriving in the Taranaki region.

What does it mean that he was "a plantsman with the soul of a poet and the vision of a philosopher"?

This evocative description highlights Cook's unique blend of qualities: the "soul of a poet" reflects his deep aesthetic appreciation for the beauty and wonder of plants and nature, while the "vision of a philosopher" speaks to his long-term foresight in planning and establishing large-scale, enduring botanical projects like Eastwoodhill that would have lasting ecological and educational value for future generations.

Where are Eastwoodhill Arboretum and Pukeiti located?

Eastwoodhill Arboretum is situated near Gisborne on the North Island of New Zealand. Pukeiti is located close to New Plymouth, also on the North Island, in the Taranaki region.