GARDEN FOR PLEASURE AND PROFIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23139, 10 September 1938, Page 11 (Supplement)

GARDEN FOR PLEASURE AND PROFIT

GARDEN PLEASURES EARTH'S GENEROUS RETURN HOBBY FOR HOUSEHOLDERS WIDE SCOPE FOR ENTHUSIASTS A garden has been an essential part of a home since man first emerged from the brute stage, and gave up living in caves to build a house for himself. Even the wildest of the world's remaining uncivilised peoples have their gardens, if the soil is fit for growing the most humble plants, and in all civilised communities the world over, where the advantages of science and expert advice are to be had almost for the asking, man makes even the wilderness bloom. City dwellers, whether they occupy a house or a flat, usually manage to secure some little plot of ground in which to sow a few flowers or vegetables, and without this contact with Mother Earth they lack complete happiness. Nothing but a garden enables the ordinary man to come so near to creating; he plants seed and is rewarded with rich blooms.

Gardening, as a hobby, claims probably more devotees than any other. Jt is unique in that men and women, old and young, can share alike in its joys, and once the taste has been developed—a simple matter since it is a natural taste—it is never lost. To the enthusiast, his garden is more than a mere plot of ground for raising flowers or vegetables; it is a source of unending delight, a private domain in which he is master, and to which he admits chosen friends with all the pride of a land-owner displaying his broad acres. More Than a Pastime In his garden, the average man finds more than a mere pastime. The plot of ground, no matter bow small it may be, is often an all-absorbing interest, that provides both work and play, exercise and rest, study and relaxation for the man who calls it his. Kither as a retreat to be eagerly sought after a heavy day, when tranquility of -Nature proves a great restorative for jaded nerves, or as the scene for furious activity when spring brings new energy, the garden is ideal. It servos many purposes apart from the growing of produce, and is rightly held inseparable from a real home. Husbands and wives are notoriously ill-matched as partners in such popular relaxations as golf and motoring; in either, one is apt to criticise the driving ability of the other, with disastrous results, but in gardening, a common interest serves only to enhance the results, and the pleasure of achieving them. A major factor in many happy homes is the mutual love of man and wife for their garden, where in company

I particularly whore there is a family [ of children needing plenty of vegetables, whether or not the current price happens to he prohibitive. Some enthusiasts go even further, growing considerably more than they can conveniently use, and either storing the balance against the unproductive days of winter, or else selling it to less diligent neighbours Suburban gardening probably owes much of its success to the unquestioned atmosphere of competition that develops among the occupants of adjoining homes as the seasons change. To equal the fine crop of potatoes of the man next door, or perhaps to offset them bv displaying orderly rows of peas and beans, is the aim of most suburban gardeners. There is no rancour behind llieir desire to outstrip their neighbour; merely a healthy competitive spirit that is good for both the gardeners and their gardens. With it goes hand in hand a new friendship that springs from the exchange of ideas, seeds, plants and cuttings, and many a firm friendship has sprouted from u back-fence discussion on the respective merits ol' methods and manures. Lawns, Trees and Shrubs

Cultivation of lawns, and of trees and shrubs, is a major part of the wide field covered by gardening. Auckland homes are notable for their lawns, often quite tiny, but well-kept ami carefully tended. In suburban communities, the clatter of half a hundred lawnmowers is a sure sign of Saturday afternoon, and as science brings within the reach of modest incomes such necessary adjuncts to successful cultiva-

they may toil or take their ease, content to be together with the fruits of the earth that aro their joint interest. Pride of Ownership Not all men aro natural gardeners; many, in fact, are almost proud of their contempt for this homely hobby, but with the ownership or occupancy of a homo surrounded by a suitable picco of land, there comes a marked change in their views. Prido of ownership, the desire to make the surroundings of their home more attractive, and a determination to succeed iif this endeavour, lead a man inevitably to his garden, and as soon as results begin to show, another convert to gardening has been made. Original difficulties, perhaps a few disappointments after hard work, aro forgotten in the sense of achievement Born of a garden full of beaut,r.

tion as mowers, rollers and other equipment, so the standard improves. There is more to gardening than mere manual work. Careful choice of good-quality seeds and plants are essential to success, and for these the expert is the one reliable source of supply. Expert service in the matter of neat paths is also at the disposal of any resident. Laying of paths, a specialised work, is as a rule beyond the capacity of an amateur, no matter how enthusiastic, unless lie has unusual ability and experience, and for that reason is best left to an expert. Preparing for Christmas Trees and shrubs, including a number of fine native varieties, are an asset to any garden. Apart from the shade they bring, they add materially to the appearance of a garden, giving an air of dignity to quite a small area. Here, too, Aucklanders aro to the fore, and in many suburban gardens tho display of shrubs is fully equal to tho show made by flowers and well-kept lawns. The vegetable garden offers less by way of display. Any shortcomings in this direction, however, aro mado up for by tho sight, pleasing to tho eye of the least enthusiastic gardener, of lino new potatoes appearing above a skilfullv-wiclded fork, rows of fullpodded peas and a healthy patch of dark green mint, all ready to accompany the, Christinas joint of lamb. To nchicvo such delights for this Christmas, now is the time to begin.

Rewards not only for the senses, but more material benefits, may also result from tho pursuit of gardening. Many an Aucklander makes it his boast that lie is a comparative stranger to the green-grocer; his garden supplies all his vegetables, and ic is with prido that he invites a visitor to sample the produce that his own work has grown. Material Benefits

A distinctive saving, infinitely greater than may perhaps he imagined, can result from tlio careful cultivation of vegetables for home consumption. Often it is enough to make a substantial difference to housekeeping expenses,