HOME GARDENS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 9, 8 July 1949, Page 6

HOME GARDENS

(By J. W. Goodwin, N.D.H. (N.Z.), F.R.H.S., Massey Agricultural College.)

RAMBLE IN THE SHRUBBERY

From time to time we have inquiries concerning various trees and shrubs. We now take this opportunity to discuss some of them. The genus viburnum provides a • group of really' haruy subjects not- •: ed for their flower, fragrance, berries and autumn foliage, or a combination of t hese characteristics. Sometimes we have disappointments, particularly with those noted for fruit, and more often when they are young. They usually settle down to a good display .after the young plant is well established and growth slows down. It must be re- , membered that many of them belong to cold climates where the frosts are heavy and, generally, the summers are hot and dry. Thus results in the thorough ropening of the wood, which ensures that flow- " ers and fruit are produced freely. In our more congenial climate the growth is lush and there is only a very short resting 'period in the • winter. For this reason it is more than ever necessary that they should be planted in sunny, open positions. They love moist conditions and a deep rich loamy soil. A noticeable feature is the development of two kinds of flower in some species. The central flowers are-frequently small, fertile and inconspicuous. These produce the fruit. The larger flowers surrounding these are large, sterile and conspicuous. Their purpose is to attract insects for pollination of the fertile flowers. With the smallflowered fragrant section it is the fragrance which attracts insects. Gardeners, by cultivation, have produced forms with all sterile flowers. These are the more showy, “snowball trees” or shrubs. With The Camellias Camellias have been very popular in the past and are now coming into favour again. New distinctive hybrids have been raised in recent years and it is to be hoped that these will not be long in reaching New Zealand: All camellias prefer a peaty soil but will do well in any good loam. It is an advantage if organic material is incorporated in the soil prior to planting. Some varieties of camellia Japonica will stand extreme conditions, though as a rule they resent conditions both too wet and too dry. Camellia japonica is available in a wide range of double and semi-double varieties. Camellia sasanqua has smaller leaves and a more graceful habit; the variety hiryi, which flowers in the late winter, is the best-known form. In fact, it is flowering now. Camellia reticulata is a magnificent plant of rather spreading habit, * and allowance should be made to give it plenty of room later on.. It is not difficult to grow, but seems to resent shifting and is rather slow to become re-established. Prepare the soil by adding peat, well rotted leaf mould or compost. Plant with the leaves facing toward the sun. This is a good point also with rhododendrons and other large-leaved evergreens. Leaves naturally turn their upper surface to face the sun. If the position is reversed the sun falls on the lower surface, upsetting the normal leaf process^

A mulch is beneficial during the early, years. Until the plant is well grown it is a good plan to reduce flowering by removing most of the flower buds as they develop. The energy thus saved is diverted to make a stronger and larger plant. Strong shoots should have the tip pinched out to encourage brandling. A dressing of blood and bofife' or rotted farmyard manure is beneficial after flowering. The Fragrant Daphne Daphnes are everyones favouiTte because of their delicious and yefsistent fragrance. Daphne odora, sometimes named daphne indica, is most popular; variety rubra, with the red reverse to the petals, is the common form. Variety leucantha is a newer form with larger flowers. This plant is most successful in a half shaded position in a light loamy soil. Some organic material is an advantage and an organic ideal soil and position has ever been defined, but it is probable that they are comparatively short-lived plants. They need a deep, well-drained soil, and must have moisture during dry spells. A little rotted manure, a dressing of blood and bone or a light one of sulphate of ammonia after flowering, will give the plants colour and vigour. This species does not like lime or wood ash, which contains some lime. It is the European species which are referred to in literature as being lime-lovers, but even these do not like too much, probably because there is little available free-lime in their native limestone country.