WORK IN THE GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 26067, 3 April 1947, Page 12

WORK IN THE GARDEN

BERRY-BEARING TREES AND SHRUBS. The following may be added to last week’s lists, which are a success m‘ these districts: — The Euonymous Europacus (spindle tree) is noted for its bright berries and coloured foliage in the autumn. The growth is rapid and hardy. The Schinus Molle (pepper tree) is a graceful evergreen foliage tree of good growth, and carries grape-like bunches of bright rose pink berries in the autumn. Gyrus Acuparia (rowan tree) should aiso have a piece in every garden, especially planted in a shrubbery with other voliuge and flowering trees,, as its flaming foliage and berries are a joy to every lover of Nature. Another shrub which is not generally known and is well worth a place in the garden is Sarcococea Humilis, a very attractive shade bearing dwarf shrub with glossy green foliage and small white -flowers, .which are followed by brilliant red berries resembling currants. Rhus Cotinus, or smoke tree, is a medium bushy shrub about 3ft to 4ft in height, making an ideal specimen for an open position. The foliage becomes a beautiful colour in the autumn, and is hardy in these districts. Liquidamber Straaciflua is another beautiful foliage tree, carrying brilliant flaming foliage in the'autumn.. . Melaleuca Laterita, 1 the Australian Robin Redbreast bush, is a very attractive coloured _ bush, but requires a sheltered position in these districts. EVERGREEN CONE-BEARING TREES. . Where space is available these trees can be planted, and will be found to be very attractive, and give great pleasure for many years to come. The following is a short list of varieties that are a success in these districts : Abies Doughlassi is a. very handsome and quick-growing tree. , Araucaria Imbricata ' (monkey puzzle) is very ornamental for lawns, etc., especially where plenty of space m available It should not be planted iii a shrubbery, but in an open position where it may have plenty of x-oom to develop. Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Mountain cedar) is a tree of symmetrical shape, and makes a splendid specimen for ornamental purposes. Libocedrus Decurrius (the incense cedar) is very stately, with lovely dark green foliage. Cupressus Lawsoniana Glauca (the blue cypress) is also one of the best for ornamental purposes. For small lawns the retinospora makes a delightful tree. The shape is very compact, and it may be had in several varieties. Cryptomeria jElegans (Japanese cedar) is one of the best, with its handsome unusual reddish colour in the autumn and winter mouths. It also lias a very compact habit, and no trimming is required throughout its growth. _ The Picea Nordmanniana is a stately silver fir, and one of the most noble trees in existence. The branches arp gracefully arranged, forming a pyramidal-shaped tree, without ah equal as a central lajvn specimen. Thuya Lobbii.—This tree is very hardy, and, will thrive in very exposed positions The habit and foliage are well fitted for lawns or avenue planting. ’ THE TALLER FLOWERING TREES. Those who require the tall flowering specimens for special purposes should plant acacias. The variety Baileyanaj or the Cootamundra Wattle,. is no doubt one of the best of these species. It is an evergreen, and reaches a height of 12ft, and is conspicuous by its blue feathery foliage. The flowers are of a deep yellow, Hanging in fluffy tassels, and in these districts it flowers just after mid-winter. , The eucalyptus in variety should be grown, although these. trees require a little shelter when planting, and should be planted frbm' pots after .the plants have been well hardened off, and, if a little shelter is provided in the early stages, the plants then become well established, and the growth is very rapid. : The flowers last over a considerable period. When planted in a mixed shrubbery, these trees become a splendid sight in a few years. The following varieties are the pick Calophylla Rosea (pink), Fieifolia (deep scarlet), and Tetraptera (large red). The camellias are indispensable in all gardens, and in these districts the soil and climatic conditions are ideal for their cultivation. The colours may be obtained in red, white, carmine, rose pink, and cochineal. Another beautiful flowering tree which does well in these districts and is greatly admired is the embotheam, or Chilean fire bush. The foliage is a rich dark green, and the flowers hang in panicles of the richest scarlet. In the early spring mouths a tree of this is a wonderful sight. A little careshould be exercised when planting. A little oyster grit or old mortar rubble should be worked in to ensure good drainage j also well-rotted leaves should be incorporated into the, soil. If possible, the plants are better when planted out of pots. They quickly become established. The position should be sheltered and warm if possible. No garden is complete without the ever-popular flowering cherries. James Veitch (bright rose pink), Seiboldii (double pink), Yoshino (single pink). Mount Fuji (white semi-double), and Pendula Rosea (wpeping - habit). The flowering peaches flower so early in these districts, and may be.had in dark pink, white, and deep pink. The magnolias, with their scented flowera, are also a success in our districts, especially the following varie ; ties Magnolia Conspicua (white). Perpurea (purplish in colour), and Stellata Rubica, the pink star magnolia, arc the pick. It is most essential that the sites for planting are prepared before hand. Plenty of drainage must be assured if these trees and shrubs are to be a success. —F.S.P., N.D.H. (N.Z.).