Enjoy Your GARDEN

Northern Advocate, 22 July 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

Enjoy Your GARDEN

Spend the Leisure Hours & of Daylight with || the Flowers &

Berries may not have music in them, but they have a smile when nature's smiles are rather at a premium. But when I say that y ie berries go round and round, I mean that so many gardeners have the berry craze just now. Names of desirable berrying shrubs are handed from one to another; berries are being sown, and cuttings planted. I will just mention a few that have been brought to me for naming.

I wrote about Cotoneasler panosa and C. serotina a tew weeks ago. These two do very well here. C. watereri is a new variety bearing large red berries, and a more graceful habit. It •promises well.

Pyracantha augustifolia seems to have come to Whangarci to stay. The bushes are covered with bright orange berries throughout the winter months. Once established, this shrub wants next to no attention. Pyracantha yunnanense is a similar variety that promises well.,

Idesia polycarpa from Japan, has already been mentioned. It is a deciduous small tree from 10ft to 15ft with rather large heart-shaped leaves that fall, to give a clear view of the very graceful coral red berry clusters. It is proving itself here, and it will certainly come into favour. Both male and female trees must be planted if the trees are to berry. The popular “spindle tree" is Enonymus Europaeus, so popular further south, is seldom seen doing well in Whangarei. I was recently told by a nurseryman that this plant does better planted near other varieties. The viburnums, beautiful berried shrubs, and trees further south, have not so far berried freely here. The explanation may again be the want of associated varieties. Further south quite a number of different viburnum are grown. The species generally grown here is V. Japonicurn. The so-called “crab apples,” malus, are popular with many gardeners. The clusters of small red fruits are very attractive. There are several different varieties, all good. These are only a few. Others that have been frequently mentioned arc symphoricarpus racemosus, arbutus unodo, Eugenia Smithii. Eugenia myrtifolia, Callicarpa; not to mention our own karaka. puriri, kahikaten, porokaiwhiria, mairc. karamu, etc. When Planning' a Garden, Remember: To plant, leaving the best features showing to advantage. To plant, so as to let the sun in at the right places, and to shut out the cold winds. Most plants dislike draughts that will sometimes sweep around the house. Shelter is all important.

To plant, so as to have a.good view of the garden from the windows. To plant, so as to have at least one long view finishing in some definite

The Berries Go Round And Round

object, such as a building, seat, or a specimen tree. To plant, so as to leave open spaces. Too small beds will give a crowded look as well as add to the work by having extra grass edges to cut. To plant trees, shrubs, hedges, etc., first, as these must have time to grow. Do not plan too many small features to start with, as these will fit into the general scheme, as time, space and plants arc available. To plant, remembering that the work is going to increase us time goes on. When a new bed, rock garden or border is first made, the gardener sighs and says “that is done - ’; but when you ‘replant for about the thirtieth time, the troubles will have increased with soil deterioration, blights, weeds and other pests that were not there to begin with. To plant in groups or lines of one plant, provided ihe section is large enough. For instance, an edging and a long border might bo ganzania,

nepeta, lavender or dwarf bushy veronicas neatly cut. Ponga ferns look best in threes or :n semicircular arrangement; and they are at their best in a dip away from the wind. The walk to the fernery or sunken garden might be planted on both sides with rimus. These should be even in size and shape, and should be cut a little to make a perfect cone shape from, the ground up. The partly shaded walk near the bush may be lined with azaleas or hydrangeas.

To plant deciduous trees where the winter sun is needed, and to put in evergreens where cold winter winds are felt. For a drive that needs shade in summer and not in winter, the silver birch. Betula allea, is suitable. The leaves are small, and the tree has a light effect; and the grey mottled bark is attractive even in winter. If flowering trees are preferred. Japanese cherries or deciduous magnolias are suitable. Where a solid rich dVergreen background is fancied, Cupressus Lawsomana, acmena floribunda or Eugenia myrtifolia might be tried. Supporting Climbers When putting in supports fo? climbing plants, such as arches and pergolas, only sound and substantial timbers should be Used. Climbing roses and other plants are very heavy when fully grown. For posts to support climbing plants, it is a good plan to sink drain pipes into the ground. Pipes about six inches in diameter should be used and the posts firmly bedded in concrete in the pipes. Pests for lighter supports should bo tarred or painted, particularly that part that goes under the ground. Thripes Thripes arc too common in our district. Individually they are very minute, so that they are not noticed until they have done a considerable amount of mischief. Affected leaves assume a silvery and unhealthy appearance. Numerous plants are at-

tacked, such as Laurustinus, arbutus unedo, different peas, etc. The thripes is readily known by its narrow wings fringed with long stiff hairs. An effective remedy is to spray with nicotine solution. Remember That soot makes an excellent soil dressing. It helps to warm the soil; it annoys and irritates the slugs and snails; it absorbs noxious gases; it is disinfecting; it improves the texture of heavier soils; and last, but not least, it has a definite manurial value. That wood ashes also make an excellent soil dressing—except in, the case of the few plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, etc., that have a positive dislike for lime. Wood ashes are especially good for the onion and the pea crops, because of the readily available lime and potash it contains.