Ornamental Horticulture

The Sim’s Park, Coonoor

Coonoor is situated at an altitude of 1700 m above MSL. The park, which is actually a botanic garden, covers an area of 12 ha. It has seven sections or terraces treated to formal, informal and picturesque designs.
This is a garden laid out in the English landscape style. The beauty of the original undulating line was taken advantage of by the designers. It is in a saucer-shaped deep valley. A perennial stream bisects it and leads to a pond at the lowermost regions of the park. In the centre of the pond are two beautiful islands. The native trees in the sholas occurring in the higher slopes at the site were selectively retained and incorporated in the design.



Courtesy: http://www.indiatravelpal.com/States/South%20India/Tamil%20Nadu/Images/Coonoor,%20Tamil%20Nadu,%20India.jpg


A large number of trees and shrubs from temperate countries and also from humid tropics have been
successfully introduced here. The trees planted are scattered all over the parks, giving a woodland and glade effect. A mild mountain climate characterized by low seasonal spurt in temperature, well distributed rainfall and high relative humidity, cause some tree or other to flower throughout the year. Flowering and foliage shrubs are used in raising hedges along the boundaries of the park, along contours, footpaths and around the lake. Showy climbers on arches, arbours and trellises located at appropriate places adorn the garden. The green glass-covered valleys, colourful beds and borders, rock gardens, fountains and serpentine walks, all combine to form sensuous yet beautiful scenery.