safer and is being designed to be more beautiful and shady.

Curator Sarah Vallis yesterday explained that the entrance in the North Garden used to open directly into the parking lot, putting pedestrians directly in line with traffic. With the new design, pedestrians can enter directly into the garden.

The North Garden itself is getting a new look with the installation of 15 plastic trellis columns.

Each trellis will support a different vine and almost every letter of the alphabet will be represented.

"A synoptic vine which sees an alphabetical collection with a different vine on each pillar, will be used,'' Mrs. Vallis said. "There are a few letters like X, Y, and Z which will not be represented as we cannot find any vines which begin with these letters.'' The move is part of the centenary work taking place in the Botanical Gardens.

In a conscious move to avoid depleting forests, a recycled plastic product is being used for the pillars and benches.

"We are concerned about the use of such valuable trees like redwood, and specifically sought out a durable recycled product,'' explained Mrs. Vallis.

"The material chosen has a weathered redwood look.'' Completion of the new North Garden is expected by this summer. It will provide more shady seating than it did previously.

According to Mrs. Vallis, this will be "an anticipated welcome change for hospital staff and patients who use the facility frequently''.