Planning The Garden...

Press, Volume C, Issue 29505, 5 May 1961, Page 7

Planning The Garden...

[No. 2 of a series]

Last week we had a look at the different types of planting which can be used in a garden, and their requirements for labour. There is another factor that we ■ must not forget, besides j labour. And it can be summed iup in the little phrase: | “Work with nature, and not against her.” In other words, i make sure your site will I grow the plants you want '■ without an awful lot of work :on your part. ! You may have a yen for ! a herbaceous border, for I example, just like those in .some of tlie English glossy ! magazines. But in spite of I the intensity of your “Iwannas” you would be foolish to plant such a border on a light sandy soil, where drying out would be severe, and the border a mere travesty of what it could be in the right conditions. If you did plant a herbaceous border on a light soil, you would be making a rod "for your own back in the applications of moisture-holding organic matter that would Ibe required, to say nothing ;of the constant waterings necessary. Much more sensible to be guided by your site, and plant drought- ' tolerant types, such as Australian or South African shrubs instead. These would give an excellent return for your effort, and demand little

in the way of maintenance. Quite obviously it is not possible to give a short list of “what-to-grow-where," for the gardener spends his whole life finding out the likes and dislikes of the plants he grows. There are many exemptions which enable the knowledgeable gardener to circumvent general instructions. A skilled gardener could soon put together a list of more unusual herbaceous plants, for example, that will grow on light soils. Here is where you have to help yourselves. Be prepared to spend a little time looking up the likes and dislikes of plants in the library—and abide by what you find, too. Don’t say “Oh, I would like a bit of that, even though the book says I can’t grow it!” Guide List for Beginners For the beginner gardener, though, here is a guide list which can be useful until you know enough to be able to ignore it: Herbaceous borders— likes sun, moisture, and a moderately rich soil. There are quite a few plants which prefer half-shade. The main flowering season is from early December until late April. Trees and shrubs— have a very wide range of likes and dislikes. You can

decide to put a shrub border anywhere in your garden, on any soils, and you can select plants to suit. Some nurserymen’s catalogues have very useful guide-lists included in them. The main flowering season is spring and early summer, but plants can be selected for any time of the year. Bedding plants— prefer sun. moisture, and not too poor a soil; they will grow well where some herbaceous plants would be deficient of water and food. Lawn— will succeed on most soils, even of low fertility. Moderate shade will be tolerated, but not heavy shade. Adequate water is important in the summer months. Water garden— looks best in sun, but many plants will tolerate some shade. Keep the main sheet of water f-ee of shade, though. A small garden pool needs full sun. Rock garden— should be kept free from overhanging trees, and most of the garden positioned in full sun.. But do allow some shady areas for those plants which will only do well in shade. The main flowering season is spring. with a smaller, autumn, repeat. Roses— like a soil which is not too light, and an open position in sunshine. They’re more prone to mildew in shade. Bulbs— can be divided into two groups—those which like a sunny place and a light sandy soil—and those which, prefer semi-shade and a leafy soil. Make sure you know which is which before you plant! Spring and autumn are the main seasons, but lilies flower all through the summer, for example. This may help you to work with nature —and act as a word of caution to the average “non-planner” who buys first and then thinks about the situation afterwards! You’ll get much more satisfaction from a garden in which the various positions have been selected according to the environmental conditions they provide. Plants grow better, and you enjoy your gardening much more.