GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18352, 24 August 1929, Page 10

GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY

VALUE OF ROCKERIES VARIED CONDITIONS. The properly-constructed rockery and rock-edged borders enable the operator to plant, weed and attend the plants irrespective of the weather and is ideal for out wet winter season, provided of course, the drainage is properly arranged, and that the soil is sufficiently porus to enable the rain water to soak quickly away. By a proper arrangement of the rocks to enable the operator to step from one to another to attend to his weeding and any planting that may be necessary and by winding hidden paths, there i;.; no occasion to tread upon the soil. The raised rock-edged border skirting the walks also gives facilities for planting and keeping down weeds without treading upon the ground. In usually sloping grounds these rock-edged borders are most easily handled. Conditions suited to the different varieties and species of plants can easily be provided in the rockery. Those plants, such as heaths, that like a free peaty soil *ixed with sand may be provided fo. ,jy filling separate pockets or receptacles with the necessary soils without manures. Those plants that thrive best in rich soil which is fairly damp may be accommodated near the base of the rockery so that no manure is drained into those that do not require it. Warm pockets and projecting stones may be arranged for kinds requiring warmer and more sheltered aspects. Varieties that need cooler conditions can be planted on the southerly or cold side of the rockery. In fact, climatic and soil conditions may be arranged for a greater variety of plants than in any other portion of the garden.