Climate keeping us guessing

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 290, 13 June 1989, Page 16

Climate keeping us guessing

It would seem that our climate at the moment cannot quite decide whether to favour winter or spring.

After the snow and sharp frosts we are now back to the mild damp weather which will encourage the shrubs and plants to put forward new growth which, unless the shoots have time to harden, will be killed off by the next hard frost. There is little we can do prevent that happening, but if the late growth gets frost damaged it is better removed and the cuts sealed with a pruning paste to prevent the entry of bacteria which can cause disease. June and July is tree planting time, and bare root trees - those which

are lifted direct from the ground while dormant - will soon be available. These include Golden Elm and fruit trees - apples, pears, cherries and plums. If considering planting more trees this year, now is the time to dig over and prepare the ground for planting. If you buy from a good nursery or garden centre you will find most of these trees are sold with planting instructions on the reverse side of the descriptive label. Read these instructions before planting and follow them carefully. Space can be found in

the smallest garden for a small flowering tree which are so delightful in early spring. 'Prusus Blieriana', the flowering plum, is a good choice. The deep pink blossoms which clothe the branches are a lovely sight. A double pink lilac. with a rich perfume which was listed as tree of the year by Harrison's Tree Nurseries last year is 'Syringa Joseflexa Bellicent'. Quite a small tree, the long racemes of these richly perfumed flowers are a delight. Another is 'Syringas Madam

Lemoine', a very fragrant double white. Flowering Cherries are everyone's favourite, and a wide range of varieties are available to choose from. 'Prunus Kanzan', a fairly large tree with masses of double pink blossoms, 'Pink Perfection', 'Gukon', and the majestic 'Accolade' are just some of the dozens of yarieties. If space is limited 'Shirotae' - a small flat topped spreading tree with masses of semidouble white blossoms, is a good choice. For that narrow area 'Hilleri

Spire' or 'Amanogawa' are both varieties that grow slim and upright. Some of the Malus varieties are ideal for the smaller garden. 'Ballerina' is a delightful small tree. 'Profusion' with deep pink blossoms and coppery coloured foliage is a lovely variety which blooms well, especially if it is given some protection from strong winds. If perhaps you are looking for a tree to frame a corner of the house or garage, 'Eucalyptus Nicholli' may suit you. A graceful evergreen tree with a dainty tapering leaf form, this one can be safely planted against a wall.