BEAUTIFYING THE SEASIDE BACHES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 394, 30 June 1928, Page 26

BEAUTIFYING THE SEASIDE BACHES

PLANTS THAT SUIT SANDY SOIL BEAUTIFICATION.—Those of our readers who have been careful in taking an observation of the hungry stretches of sand which fringe the ocean front, would, no doubt, consider it sneer folly to even attempt a graden under such conditions. And yet it is surprising what has actually been accomplished in many of the most uninviting parts of the coast line by enthusiasts who are bent upon adding beauty to their seaside hemes. SHELTER.—Of course this is of paramount importance and nothing serious should be attempted without first making provision for the protection of any plants decided upon. For sea front fences nothing serves the purpose better than ti tree posts properly erected in close rustic effect. Shade is an important feature which, alas, is so often overlooked by the sea-side residents. SUBJECTS FOR PLANTING.—Such trees as camphor, lophostemon, pepper, or even pinus insignus, will thrive well and impart plenty of shade in time to come. Obviously it is to the plant’s benefit to enrich the soil as much as possible before the planting. Dairy manure usually abounds in those parts and fortunately nothing is more serviceable for the purpose than this useful article. Wherever possible, it would be advisable to let any natural growth remain, particularly trees, which, although at times are gnarled and unshapely are nevertheless in keeping with the surrounding vegetation and the shade afforded by their presence will more than repay any uneasiness of mind occasioned by their retention. In fact, to any gardener possessed of an artistic turn of mind, they could be included in the general beautification scheme to good advantage. Many ornament-1 shrubs will do fairly well In poor sandy soil, and with a little Inducement good specimens may be produced. Copro sm a, tecoma, hibiscus, hydrangea and other hardy varieties are particularly adaptable. Amongst the hardier annuals which thrive in sand may be mentioned such useful tenants as gailiardias. calliopsis, snapdragons, zinnias, linarias, phlox, verbena, diaathus, portulacca, helianthus. amaranthus, etc. Let it be borne in mind that in such localities a hedge offers much greater scope for home beautification than a tall unsightly fence. A low or dwarf wall backed bv a well-trimmed hedge of coprosma plumbago, duranta or tecc a will prove a welcome acquisition to any seaside home. Lantana, ivy-leaved geraniums, eannas and hydrangeas, together with other hardy , owering plants will add a wealth of brightness and colour to the garden plot. Palms shou. not be overlooked. These noble specimens add an undeniaule dignity to the seaside home, and many of the species thrive luxurantly. .or the grass plots both couch and buffalo are admirably suited.

Lucerne, like sainfoin, is apt to get very grassy after it has been left down for a year or so. Somewhat drastic treatment, however, will get rid of the mat of grass that is to be seen in the spring, and it consists of cultivating the lucerne field both ways and then dragging with the harrows. It will then be found that, although the mat of grass has been completely torn off and can be collected, taken away and burnt, the lucerne plants will be uninjured with the exception of a few of the weaker plants that can well be spared. This operation, however, must be undertaken early in the year before the basal buds of the lucerne have had time to more than just sprout, or trouble will result. Unless this valuable plant is kept clean it dies out.