THE GHOST TREE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 197, 18 May 1934, Page 18

THE GHOST TREE

A Remarkable Plant

Picture a tree some sixty or seventy feet high, covered With beautiful big heart-shaped leaves from which issue hundreds of globe-shaped Howers accompanied by peunaut-sliaped wMute bracis six or seven inches long. The whole effect is Unit of a giant tree smothered with huge butterflies. Such is the impression one gets on viewing a full-grown Davidia (“ghost tree”) for the first time.

One of the most outstanding flowering trees iu existence, the Davidia, was discovered In the remote mountainous regions of China by a French missionary, and it was not until 1960 that Dr. E. H. Wilson (“Chinese Wilson”), the famous plant collector, succeeded in sending seed to England. The Davidia is unquestionably one of tho garden aristocrats, and is remarkably hardy. It flourishes in any well-drained, medium garden loam, and prefers a sunny position. This beautiful tree is still very much of a garden rarity, but young trees are now available in New Zealand to those who are prepared to pay a little more than the cost of a commonplace shrub for tho pleasure of possessing a specimen of such a unique garden subject. CARNATION CULTURE Controversy in England A controversy is raging in England between the old school of carnation growers and the new school, the old school preferring the flat carnation and the new school the fuller one. At a meeting of the Miramar Horticultural Society this week, Mr. Jones, who is in close touch with the National Carnation and Picotee Society, England, explained in detail the improvements which have taken place in the carnation in the last 25 years. The English society had elected three followers of the old school to choose six blooms they considered the best, and three of the new school to choose six they considered the best and the result was expected to he interesting to all cultivators of carnations, he said. Eighty per cent, of the members of the carnation society had decided that the constitution of the carnation should count more points in judging than the bloom. Trial grounds were being established and the plants would be grown for one or two years before the award was made. The tendency was for a fuller bloom and a serrated or jagged edge was not tolerated on a show carnation. \ - HERBACEOUS BORDERS AVhat to Plant If the flower border is properly prepared, It will not need disturbing for several years after the plants are put in Some of the most rampant growers, such as Michaelmas daisy and helenlum, will require dividing and replanting occasionally, while others, such as peony, anemone japonica, and anchusa italica are better left undisturbed for several years. Select an open, sunny site, well away from the drip of trees. A background of trees or shrubs is an advantage, however, providing these are not too close. If room can be spared, allow a width of about 12ft.; 6ft. should be the minimum. Double-dig it and add manures appropriate to the type of soil. Heavy soils will need lightening, and require leaf-mould, decayed garden refuse, old mortar rubble, and long strawy manure. Light around requires the addition of moisture-holding materials such as cow or farmyard manure, instead of the strawy material, although leaf-mould and garden refuse may also be applied. These manures must be well incorporated into the subsoil. Enrich the top spit with wood ashes, soot, and lime which, if sprinkled on the surface, will become incorporated ns the digging proceeds. Allow a week or more to elapse between digging and planting. If this precaution is not taken, the soil, in sinking, will leave the topmost roots of the plants exposed. Tall, Handsome Plants. The tallest plants, such as hollyhock, delphinium, and Michaelmas daisy, will be planted at the back of the border, but it is as well to bring one or two clumps toward the centre at intervals, to avoid formality. Tall, bushy plants should lie planted singly or in groups of three, the medium-sized ones n the centre of the border in threes or fives, and the dwarf kinds in the front iu larger groups of seven upward. Leave spaces with large labels for the inclusion of dahlias and gladioli iu due season. « For the back of the border, the most popular plants are delphinium, lupin, phlox, red hot poker, Michaelmas daisy, golden rod (solidago), and perennial sunflowers. In the middle, plant campanula, anemone japonica, chrysanthemum, gypsopljla paniculata, pentstemon, coreopsis, pyrethrum, and gaillardia. In the front, dwarf plants such as viola, pansy, polyanthus, aubretia, auricula, sweet William, catmint, doronicum, and pinks may be used. CORRESPONDENCE Answers to Inquiries Conditions for Shrubs. — (1) Daphne needs seini-sliade, a soil free from lime and fairly rich. (2) Lasiandra thrives in a sunny position and a good garden loam. It is likely to be cut back by frost and needs protection during the next few months. —“Shrubs” (Ohau). Slow Growing Rhododendrons.—The cause is apparently due to lack of moisture throughout summer. Mulch I’aeh plant with thoroughly-decayed cow manure. Failing that, apply leafmould and lawn clippings. Water freely in summer.—Miss A. L. (Jlataitai). Miscellaneous Queries: (1) Taupaia always has a tendency to become woody. However, it can’be kept within reasonable bounds by severe cutting back. It will stand harsh treatment. (2) Cut back those steins of your hydrangeas waich have borne flowers this season. This can still be done. (3) .Geraniums should he cut back to sturdy stem and a good leafbud. Thinning out of the stems may also be done if fhe plants have grown so vigorousy as 'to prevent air and sunshine reaching the plant.— (J.P., Kelburn.) Black CuiTimts in Shade. — Black currants will thrive in a fairly shady position. They arc often grown in the shade of big fruit trees. Dig decayed leaves into the soil bofoie planting.—“Pumlod” (O*M).