THE HOLLY AS A HEDGE PLANT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4163, 24 July 1874, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE HOLLY AS A HEDGE PLANT.

Mr. B. Donald writes From observation and experience I am of opinion that the holly (should it he found to answer in other districts as well as it does with me) must become the standard hedge row plant of New Zealand. In point of utility, as well as beauty, I have found notiiing to compare with it. 1 first obtained about fifty plants from seed, which I have increased and planted from time to time. I have now as many hedges, if put in line,.as would extend to more than half a mile, from five to fifteen feet in height; besides a large number of single specimens. I have also sold many thousands, which might have readily been increased to hundreds of thousands had they been required. In these hedges there is not one sick or decaying plant. No insect injures them; once established, neither wind, cold, heat, nor dryness affects them; and two successive seasons of the driest weather I have experienced have had no impression on them. A thorn hedge affords no shelter, has no beauty except for about three months of the year; whereas the holly, being always green, is at all times pleasing, more especially during our winter months, when many of them are covered with beautiful coral-colored berries from April to December —a feast for the eyes. I have planted, at distances varying from two to four feet apart, with equal advantage, the ground being well prepared. I think three feet apart a very suitable distance to plant ; they will form a good hedge without any cutting, but if so wished they may be cut into a thin hedge, and by frequent cutting will become so close that a rabbit could not get through them. The holly will thrive in any sort of soil, if dry.