TREES AND SHRUBS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 23, 27 July 1933, Page 19

TREES AND SHRUBS

FOR SEASIDE PLANTING

■ In a district such' as this, a large proportion of which is on the sea coast, there is always a demand for suitable trees and shrubs. Not all will survive the salt-laden air even when they are hardy enough to stand the wind. There are,quite a number of native plants which axe suitable for such localities, all of which have distinct decorative properties. Among suitable trees and shrubs are kauri (Agathes australis), brachyglottis (rangiora and repana), coprosma, ■ Cordylino australis (cabbage tree), kaiaka (Corynocarpus laevigata), manuka (Leptospermum), olearia, pohutukawa (Metrosideros), ngaio (Myoporum), flax (phormium), and tainui (Poinaderris). All tho above are natives.

Other suitable subjects are tamarix, leucadendron (silver tree), .garrya, elliptica, euonymus, escallonia, various brooms (cytisus), cotoneasters, dogwood, Arbutus unedo, Norfolk Island pine, and proteas. All these will thrive near tho coast, although all are not equally hardy.

In all cases it is wise to afford some shelter to the plants when they are first put in. AVhcrc planting has to be done on sandhills it is necessary to make some preparation by adding soil and humus for the roots to work into until they are properly established. Some varieties of pines also do well at the seaside, and are quick-growing. Lacebarks (hohiria) is another native which does quite well, and is quickgrowing. These may be trimmed, and form quite good shelter hedges. There are several~varietieS. '•.*".

For very exposed positions flax and toitoi make excellent break-winds, behind which other less hardy subjects may be planted. The South African silver tree, stands up better than anything to winds, the leaves being quite unblemished with the' strongest gales. This is always somewhat of a marvel, because the foliage looks so soft and delicate. The trees are quick-growing, but, unfortunately, do not seem to be very long-lived, generally dying out in about ten or twelve years.