Planning a Garden Picture

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23085, 9 July 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Planning a Garden Picture

TVTHEN one takes stock of the garden in the light of past years' results one usually finds a good many failings, or weak places that were not quite up to the mark. There are many gardens which could do with some improvement, and in view of the Centennial in 1940, when Auckland should be looking at its best, preparations Bhould begin at once Time is the essential factor in making a garden, unless expense is no object, and larger trees and shrubs can be planted to give an immediate effect. The majority of small section owners have to wait while the plantings mature, to see the full result of their labour. This present planting sea'son is a good opportunity to plan groups of shrubs and trees to ensure a constant succession of colour and interest, and avoid empty spaces after early flowering groups. During the next few months re-arrange and replant existing shrubs and with very few exceptions none will resent the moving, so long as the roots are not exposed to

Arrankink for Artistic Effects

drying winds. The novice does not always visualise the effect of some particular tree when planting, and after a few years' growth, the remark is made "i wish I had not planted that tree there." Shrubs and trees are quite easv to shift, and it is a far better plan than drastic cutting back each season to keep them from encroaching. This spoils the natural beauty of the tree which should be preserved at all costs. There is one thing which pains any treelover —that is to see shrubs of all descriptions trimmed round with the hedge clippers to one uniform outline. In small gardens the most should be made of every feature, such as a gate, a seat, or a flight of steps. Whatever the incident, it must be thought of as the central feature of a garden picture and not as an isolated factor of its own Stand out in the street and view your garden, \fould it not be improved by some extra height on one side— a flowering tree which would cast an interesting shadow on the path in front

and perhaps a bold evergreen on the other, which will serve as a background for the gay colours to bo planted ill the flower beds beside the path? Tt is possible to have good flower groups for almost every month in the year in the well-planned garden. It is not only in the residential portions of the city that colour is desirable. In the business portions much might be done to brighten up dingy buildings with window boxes and tubs filled with gay flowering plants The modern idea for windowboxes is quite a good one, and ensures a continual display without the necessity of dismantling the boxes and refilling with fresh earth. Zinc containers are made to fit the window-boxes. Each box takes about three of them. Any number of these can be Uept in reserve, filled with seasonable flowering plants. When the boxes begin to look shabby, it is an easy matter to slip in fresh containers with plants in full bloom tor any special occasion. Here is an opportunity for some enterprising nurseryman to provide a regular service to business premises. Can you visualise the appearance of Auckland's main street with the majority of tlie upper windows festooned with gay blossoms?