SHELTER IS ESSENTIAL

Te Ao Hou, April 1958, Page 56

SHELTER IS ESSENTIAL by R. G. FALCONER Horticulturist, Department of Maori Affairs Tauranga A correspondent whose home is situated on the coastal strip near East Cape, has enquired for information in respect to a suitable type of hedge, which is hardy, and capable of withstanding the strong winds, often laden with salt spray, which are experienced from time to time in those parts of the country. It is suggested that pittosporum crassifolium would possibly be the most suitable. This hedge is not a soil robber, grows upright, and can be trimmed to a very attractive shelter. On farm land near the coast berberis vulgaris (Barbery) is a perfectly hardy, and one of the best cattle proof hedges. It makes an extremely good hedge where cattle are being run, although not favoured by sheep farmers. This type of hedge is being planted extensively in the Rotorua district and Central Plateau. CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANUS makes a very ornamental wind break, or tall hedge but is not recommended for small gardens. It will stand fairly hard trimming, and is easily kept within control. Unfortunately over the past few years, a canker has attacked this type of tree, with the result, that in established hedges many dead trees are in evidence and further plantings are not recommended. For the home garden where severe frosts are not experienced, TECOMA CAPENSIS makes an extremely ornamental hedge, trims well and forms an excellent, tight, windbreak. In the autumn it bears beautiful bright, scarlet flowers, which add to the beauty of this hedge. ABELIA FLORIBUNDA is a very hardy plant, with small green foliage, which produces a very attractive, small pale, lilac flower. This plant can be grown where severe frosts are experienced. Another small attractive hedge most suitable for home surrounds and especially the suburban dweller is the LONICERA NITIDA, which is a very compact growing plant with small foliage and with possibly a maximum height of about five feet. For a very quick hedge, any one of the PRIVET family can be grown. This is probably one of the quickest growing, hardy hedges, but unfortunately this type of plant is well known for its ability to impoverish the soil for other nearby plants, owing to its extensive rooting ability. ACMENA FLORIBUNDA can be grown as an attractive ornamental tree, or used for the purpose of making a good dense shelter hedge. This tree has a very glossy green foliage, with creamy white flowers later followed by clusters of berries. This hedge is not recommended for exposed positions and only where light frosts are experienced.