HOME GARDENS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 5, 29 June 1949, Page 6

HOME GARDENS

(By J. W. Goodwin, N.D.H. (N.Z.), F.R.H.S., Massey Agricultural College.) BUILDING A ROCK GARDEN The true rock garden provides a congenial home for a large and comprehensive range of plants, many of which would perish in the open border. More often, it is a jumbled heap of stone on which none but the hardiest plants will survive the summer drought. The difference is almost entirely in the construction. Where there is a choice of site, selection will depend on the class of plants one intends growing. A sunny face will suit most South African bulbs and other plants from arid regions. For that host of gems which prefer cool or moist summer conditions an east to south facing is most desirable. However, by the careful planning of drifts, ridges and bluffs some shady sheltered pockets may be provided on most aspects. Further shade may be provided by the judicious planting of small, com-pact-rooted shrubs such as some ericas an other heath-like plants. One main path is necessary, and this should break away as naturally as possible from one feature, and wind through" or along the foot of the rock garden. It should then break out naturally into another part of the garden. Where the rock garden is in a “ravine,” this path should wind as much as the floor permits, hugging a “cliff” on one side and swinging back towards a “side valley” perhaps on the other.. A similar type may be excavated on flat ground, providing there is natural drainage (or provision can be made) from the lowest point. In this case, the path should be shaped somewhat like the letter S, though it should not be geometrically exact. Turning in from a surrounding border, the path slopes gradually and then winds across the proposed bottom and rises again at the other side. Natural rock-steps will give depth more quickly and create more room in the bottom.

Peg Out With Stakes The whole rock garden is built up from the path levels, and generally the mass of each section will be built up inside the sharpest curves, whilst valleys will . open out on the opposite sides. The easiest method is to peg out the whole area with stakes before undertaking any excavation, or introducing rock. First of all, the whole area should be thoroughly dug, and all perennial weeds removed. If the ground is not steep, this may be done some months before construction commences. Any perennials missed and annual weeds may be cleaned up by this means. Alternatively, a crop may be taken off the ground, either of annual flowers or vegetables, to gain the same ends. ' In order to give one a true picture, stakes should vary according to the proposed height of the various ridges,,bluffs, valleys and drifts. Pegging of the valley margins is sufficient, as the valley floor, in many cases, be below the existing ground level. Once the whole area is pegged to one’s satisfaction, soil is thrown up out of the valleys to build the crests or to modify their form, as the case may be. It should be remembered that the best use of any existing features will save a great deal of work. Where the surface soil is thin it may be found necesary to cart out poor subsoil, for, although some may be mixed with good soil, it is inadvisable to bring too much to the surface. Only after the ground has been well prepared and shaped, may rocks be introduced, even though supplies may have been carted during the drier months of the year. Building commences at the bottom and continues along the paths and up to the crests. Large stones should always be unloaded at the top as it is easier to work downhill. It will also be found that the loose soil is useful in controlling them. Wet planks may be used as skids. Stones as large as one man can manage are sufficient for most purposes. “Longish,” rather flat stones are always useful and may be set one above the other to give a similar effect without taking up too much room. They may also be used on edge to divide pockets, or flat to support larger stones at a desired height. Too many “roundish” small stones are difficult to set firmly and appear rather brick-like when built up.