In the early 1900s, station gardens were part of the welcoming gateway to the travelling public, an introduction to the urbanity of the area and the productiveness of the soil. Today, all that remains of what were once colourful station gardens are a few evergreens, a dishevelled hedge of caraganas and lilacs, and a mystery as to why they exist in these peculiar spots.

This book may rekindle some memories of station gardens, introduce yet another chapter to the lives of the West.s first settlers and answer some questions regarding those remaining, seemingly oddly-placed trees and hedges near the main streets of many communities.