1910
Bought 250ha of farmland from the Ngatapa subdivision, which Douglas Cook named “Eastwoodhill” after the Miller family home in Thornliebank, near Glasgow. Flowers, orchids, and woodlots were planted.
1914
Sent to war in Egypt and France and was injured and sent to England to recuperate. Was inspired by the beautiful parks and gardens he saw there and modelled Eastwoodhill on those he saw in England.
1918
The first arboretum plantings were made mainly of woodlots and shelter belts. Poplar Avenue was planted along the main drive.