THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12260, 2 May 1903, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

The splendid weather experienced for some weeks has been all that could be desired for laying out new grounds, or making improvements in the several departments of the garden. The soil at the present time is in excellent condition for working, and every advantage should be taken to hasten forward the most important work. The completion of lawns that are' in course of formation should be hurried on as quickly as possible, - as it is almost impossible to do this work satisfactorily if the soil is in a wet, sticky condition. The laying out of new grounds and treatment of the soil for the reception of trees and shrubs should always be completed before the rainy season sets in, so that planting can be commenced as soon as the trees are ready for lifting. To produce the best effects considerable judgment and forethought are required in laying out and planting the various subjects selected. The greatest mistakes are oiten made by the indiscriminate arrangements of varieties, regardless of the space they are likely to occupy when fuliy developed. How often one sees trees that would grow into magnificent specimens, and bo amongst the most interesting objects of the garden, planted near to paths in situations that, in a short lime, would necessitate removal or destruction. This is, no doubt, due to a want of knowledge of the varieties and their habits, but the fact remains that hundreds of beautiful trees are destroyed that would otherwise beautify and adorn the garden. Before making provision for the general planting suitable positions should firs> be selected, and pegged out, for the tall-growing specimens, arranging for the best and finest-growing specimens the most striking and conspicuous places. The filling in, to produce immediate effect, can be made with smaller-growing trees, or flowering shrubs, which can be removed or destroyed as the permanent specimens attain size and require space. Too often beautiful and valuable varieties have to bo cut down and sacrificed through injudicious planting at first. As already stated they are often planted without any thought given to their future habits; perhaps too near the walk or drive, or close to the dwelling, which would obscure the view. In laying out a garden provision should always be made for ample lawns or grass plots, as these are amongst the most pleasing features of the garden. In all ornamental gardens, the selection of varieties should be as varied as possible, to add to the diversity of form and shades of colour. What a contrast in variety and colouring is to be seen in our native bush, though composed of evergreen trees, to that of many plantations that have been planted with little or no view to variety and contrast! If, on the other hand, some of our beautiful native trees and shrubs are interspersed amongst other of the imported varieties very much prettier effects are produced. I'HK OItCHARD. In transplanting any varieties of evergreen trees and shrubs previous preparation should be made, as stated in last week's notes, by trenching some time before the time of biting. In cases when very large trees are to be dealt with, particularly if they are making vigorous growth, it may be necessary to prepare the tree the season before the time of lifting. Trees of almost any size, if the

means of removal are a! hand, can be lifted and transplanted with safety, as tho check caused by cutting the larger roots induces abundance of young, fibrous roots to start out, which hold the soil together, so that a good ball of earth is retained when transplanted. In the transplanting of trees or shrubs, whether they be large or small, the preparation of the holes is of great importance, more particularly in soils that are not naturally good or too well adapted for the tree to be planted. In such cases the holes should be dug: deep and wide, removing the bad soil, and replacing it with suitable fresh soil This will always repay the planter for the trouble taken.' as the trees naturally take a quicker hold, and are in a better condition to hold their own when the roots come into contact with the poorer soil. On the other hand, when the soil is deep and of a friable nature, a hole large and deep enough to allow of the roots being- spread out without cramping will be sufficient. In every case lift the trees with the least possible injury to the roots; make the holes sufficiently wide and deep to admit of plenty of good soil to give the tree every chance to make a good start, ant) cover the roots with soil that is in the best workable condition; press the soil firmly about the roots, but leave a nice loose surface. See that the trees are not inserted too deeply. After planting, if tho trees are not in an exposed situation, and are liable to suffer from the winds, stake aiid tie the plants firmly to protect them from such risks. Such precaution and attention to planting will save much trouble and disappointment to the planter. Other seasonable work requiring attention is removing annuals and other plants that have ceased flowering and preparing the soil for planting earlyflowering plants. ' Cinerarias, antirrhinums, gaillardias, and many other hardy annuals can be planted as soon as the ground is prepaved. Layers of carnations that were put down "as directed should now be rooted and ready to take away from the stools. Those should bo planted cut in a nicely-prepared bed to establish until they are ready for finally planting into their permanent quarters. This is best done in early spring. Few plants are greater favourites, or mako a more pleasing display, when carefully grown, and when interspersed amongst other earlyflowering plants. Kepos.