The Bow Street palms are an iconic part of Raglan
A Bow Street phoenix palm, April 2012
The 15 phoenix palm trees planted in the green area along the centre of Bow Street are a true Raglan icon and have stood for almost 90 years.
The planting of the palms originated in 1922 when the Governor-General Viscount Jellicoe paid a visit to Raglan. At this time, Bow Street was a rough metal road with a large clay area along the middle.
Some locals decided to spruce up the main street ahead of the Governor-General’s visit. Off to the bush they headed, bringing back ponga and mamuka (black tree fern) trees which were temporarily installed along the middle of the street.
The town’s new greenery was much admired, especially by Lady Jellicoe. She asked if they were permanent and was assured they were, thus ensuring that Bow Street foliage was to become permanent.
At the next meeting of the Raglan Town Board, members decided on a more permanent planting and the phoenix palms were planted.
The trees have since grown tall and have become a much loved feature of Raglan. The Waikato District Council has recognised the significance of Raglan’s palms by listing them among the district’s notable trees.
The Phoenix palms over the years
Bow Street decorated with plants during the Governor-General's visit in 1922.
The newly planted palms in the early 1920s.
The palms in the 1930s after the new Town Hall had been built
The young palms in 1941
90 years old - the Bow Street palms in 2012