THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13727, 18 April 1908, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

For somo time past the weather has been all that could be desired for working the soil, either with the view of laying out new grounds, renovating, or making improvements in the various departments of the garden. The soil is in excellent condition for working, so that every advantage should be taken to push forward the work. Whatever ill-effects the long period of drought may have had upon the growth of trees, plants, and vegetation generally, its good influence is felt in that it has had the effect, of thoroughly sweetening and resting the land. The laying out of new grounds and treatment of the soil for the reception of trees, shurbs, flowers, etc., should be completed if possible before the heavy rainyseason seta in, so that planting can be commenced as soon as the trees are, ready for planting. The laying out of grounds, making drives and paths, and the arrangement of flower-beds and borders, and providing for the planting of trees and shrubs, disposing the varieties in such a manner as to eventually produce the best, and most pleasing effect, is a matter that is probably exercising the attention of many at the present time. The successful laying out of grounds can only be satisfactorily performed by those who have acquired the art from experience and careful observation, combined with a natural gift and love for the work. Many books have been written upon landscape gardening, but it is almost impossible to follow any fixed plan, or to carry out the work-according to the models provided. To produce the best results considerable judgment and forethought is required, both in laying out and in planting the various subjects selected. To plant so as to produce the best and most lasting effect the operator must be thoroughly acquainted with the growth, habit, and future development of the subject to be planted. The greatest mistakes are often made by the indiscriminate arrangement of varieties, regardless of the space they have allotted to them. Trees that would grow into magnificent specimen* are often seen planted near the paths, where in a short .space of time either tree or path must be removed, or at least disfigured. Yet in their proper place these, specimens would become, the most interesting objects of the garden. Before making provision for planting, suitable positions should first be selected and pegged out, arranging that the finest growing and most striking specimens are put in the most conspicuous places. This done, the filling-its, so as to produce immediate effect, should be made with smaller-growing trees or flowering shrubs, which can be removed as the permanent specimens attain size and require space. Too often beautiful and valuable varieties have to be cut down by injudicious plar/.ing, due to want of knowledge of the varieties ant! their habits. In dealing with large areas, it is impossible to lay down any fixed rules, as the natural disposition of the land and its surroundings is in most instances quite different. The ever-varying conditions of soil, situation, and climate have naturally to be taken into consideration. The direction of the roads and paths must be governed by the peculiar ! conditions of the place and its surroundings. i In planting, however, one thing must always j be kept in view, that is the beauty of existi ing scenery, which should be in no way marred by any unsightly object. The most suc- | cessful results can only be attained by the ' practical manner in which the designer makes use of the material at his disposal. New ideas may and will suggest themselves as the work proceeds, but the work should not be commenced without full consideration and a fixed idea as to the result when completed. In the laying out provision should always be made for ample lawns or grass plots, as these are amongst the most pleasing features of the garden: in fact, neither trees, plants, nor flowers are shown with the same beauty as when surrounded with a well-kept lawn. In all ornamental gardens the selection of varieties of plants should be as varied as possible, so as to add to the diversity of form, habit, and colour. Numbers of deciduous plants that to the inexperienced have nothing to recommend them at the time of planting, being bare of foliage, are amongst the most beautiful and interesting subjects of the garden. The flowering varieties make a beautiful display of flower in early spring, while the foliage, plants, and trees, with their varied and changing hues, form a striking contrast to the sombre green of the evergreen trees and shrubs. HOBTICULTCKAL SHOW. The annual chrysanthemum and dahlia exhibition of the Auckland Horticultural Society will take place in the Choral Hall on Thursday and Friday of next week, the 23rd and 24th inst. This show lias now become so popular and widely known that comment seems scarcely necessary. The magnificent display of flowers that is always in evidence at this show is in itself sufficient to attract every lover of horticulture. The present exhibition bids fair to eclipse all previous shows in the perfection and magnificence of its exhibits. Chrysanthemums and dahlias will, of course, be the leading feature. The introduction of the latest and most up-to-date varieties in each section must result in some rare specimens being staged. Provision is also matin in the schedule for every class of exhibit likely to be in season; in fact, such a variety that cannot fail to bs both interesting and instructive to erery visitor to the show.