HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 10

HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

By J. Gebbie.

HEDGES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. Strictly speaking, hedges are of two kinds—useful and ornamental,—the former being employed for keeping farm stock in bounds, and the< latter in the subdivision of gardens. Many advantages are gained by having the homestead, farm, and orchard surrounded with live hedges, but the majority of land-owners fail to realise this, judging from the many wild and neglected hedges one sees in several parts of the Dominion:. Better do without hedges if proper attention cannot be given to them. Where a hedge is to be planted thorough preparation of the ground should take precedence of all other operations, as nothing can repay the planter more satisfactorily than thoroughly preparing the land by draining and trenching, suitingit to the plants intended to be inserted. In, all sases it is well to trench the ground to a depth of 2ft by about 3ft in width, and at the same time mix in a quantity of well-rotted manure. If this can be dome some months before planting, so much the better, as it gives time for the upturned soil to get mellowed and sweetened. Well-rotted manure has a wonderful effect in stimulating the plants into active and strong growth. In planting stretch a line along the centre of the prepared ground, and close to the line take out a trench with the spade of sufficient size to allow of the roots of the plants being spread out to their full extent. The distance from plant to plant cannot be stated here, as this depends so much on the size at planting, rate of growth, and variety dealt with. The time for planting begins with the fall of the leaf in autumn until the buds begin to swell in spring. LIST OF HEDGE PLANTS. Where strength and shelter are points of first consideration the hawthorn has been one of the best all-round plants for a hedge, but, unfortunately, it has. of late years been subject to the silver blight and scale in . some places. A' few years ago it was very subject to scale in North Otago, but lately it is not so bad. /

Berberis aristeta, an evergreen species, forming an impenetrable fence for stock, is said to be the best all-round hedge plant for farmers. It will grow in almost any part of the Dominion, and on any soil that is not stagnant. Berberis vulgaris, a deciduous species, also makes an impeneteable hedge on almost any soil and in any situation. Gorse and macrocarpa are two well-known plants whioh require no comment, the latter being always in demand. Though too large a grower for a dwarf hedge it-is utilised for that purpose, and for a few years may be kept within reasonable limits. But for ORNAMENTAL HEDGES.

There are many kinds of trees and shrubs •to select from. Perhaps every variety recommended might be entitled to preference in particular localities, but it is certain that not one variety is adapted to all parts of New Zealand. Where it succeeds the holly is one of the best plants grown for an ornamental hedge. It likes heavy, damp land,' thoroughly prepared, and if necessary enriched by a dressing of strong loam, and the plants inserted in October and November. Pittosporums are quick-growing plants, and make very ornamental hedges. It is always in demand, but is one of -those plants which I would not plant as a hedge for myself, or recommend to others, there being so many other better plants for the purpose. Pittosporums are difficult, to transplant, and subject to scale and other blights. That is my experience in North Otago and South Canterbury. Laurustinus.—As a flowering hedge plant for garden or lawn purposes few shrubs are of greater value, particularly in maritime districts. The small-leaved variety flowers more freely than the large, shiningleaved kind, although the latter variety is to be preferred. Privet (Ligustrum).—Both the common and oval-leaved varieties are peculiarly adapted for hedges, and I am surprised that they are not more in request for the purpose. They will grow in any soil or situation, and no shrubs stand clipping better. Berberis Darwinii makes a good dwarf hedge for small gardens, and when not pruned too severely flowers with great freedom. Shortening the long shoots with a knife is best. Olearia Forsteri (golden akeake) is one of our best native shrubs, equally valuable for an ornamental hedge or as specimen plant. It will grow' in any soil if not wet, an I endures extreme frost. It grows fast, istands clipping, and is easily increased by cuttings. Laurel is fast-growing and not particular as to soil. It requires plenty of room and frequent cutting ito make a good hedge. _ . Cupressus Lawsoniana, Escallonia, and some other shrubs make very ornamental hedges—in fact, almost any shrub may be used, the choice of which will lie with the planter. Cleaning and Pruning.—An annual cleaning of the ground alongside , hedges must not be neglected. Weeds rob the soil of its nourishment,, choking the young plants, and to a great extent preventing the free access of rain to the roots of the hedge plants. The use of the hoe is to be recommended, and any weeds that cannot bo got at around the stems must bo removed by hand. Little if any pruning should be done till the third year after the fence has been formed, and then only the longer twigs cur, back so as to get by degrees a regular shape. LARGE VIOLET FIELDS. In Hyeres, south of France, the land under cultivation 'with violets is over 3000 acres in extent, and in their mild climate they bloom all winter. For winter export; about 2000 women are occupied in pick-'n-; the blooms. The Hyeres growers ocn-idov tho culture of the violet as one of the rrci -remunerative- and l least liable to accidents. Thr.v are men of obs-erva-

J tion who for 30 years have made a ■ specialty : of ! ihe wdntex production of i violets for export, and tbey succeed with j them.