SHRUBBERY PLANTING IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 16, 30 April 1952, Page 5

SHRUBBERY PLANTING IN TAUPO

CBv

"Flora")

There are many new comers to Taupo, who, this year will be setting out their gardens round their new homes — what grows well in Taupo? This is a constant auery. The islhrubs listed below have all been seen growing and doing well here. There are however a few basic principles that must be observed before the final selection is made. Be sure that you have some idea of the ultimate size of your tree or shrub. - Foolish, for instance to plant a Norfork. Island Pine or a sequora on a small front iawn, for it will only become a problem in a few years. Do think of the neighbours behind you lest you obstruct their view by planting blocks of large trees. If you want to grow a few large trees have them spasily planted, so that the view will still be seen. Your reighbours alongside are equally important. You may shut out their sun shine for many hours, and they will be shivering whiie you bask on your porch. Trees that shed th;ir leaves in r/o your own or your neighbours' gutters, can be equally aggrivating. Some trees should not be planted near drains, their roots wdll perhaps find a crack. Cabbage trees and poplars are bad in this respect. There are shrubs which thrive in exposed situations; others that must have the protection of adjoining trees. Some like a very fertile soil; others a poorer one. One of Taupo's attractions, is the glorious display of autumn foliage in our private gardens. This wonderful colouring is noticed more by those coming from a warmer climate where their deciduous trees drop their leaves without colouring. The following list may be helpful to those choosing shrubs for planting this winter. Especially if a splash of colour is liked when most of the annuals and perennials are past their best : — Accr — The Maple. These are easily grown, but have rather brittle N wood, so protection from the wind is rather necessary. This is a very large family, all lovely so it is rather liard to narne the best. Acer-palmatum the Japanese Maple is lovely and grows to about 15 feet. In Autumn the leaves are a delicate red and gold, 4 Acer sanquinium sergan — Grows to about 10 feet; pale foliage in the spring, with a contrast of pink stems

turning in autumn to a fiery scarlet. Betula, verrucosa — This must not be omitted as it is "Taupo's tree," Most will know it is the Silver Birch. Although its foliage is not so brilliant as some, it turns a pleasing yellow. Its striking silvery trunk, is a joy in the winter. 30 ft. Liquid Amber styraciflua — This is rather large for the small garden, as it eventually grows to 30 ft. But its handsome maple-like foliage turns to most brilliant autumn colours. Nandina dbmestica — Just a small shrub, rarely reaching 6ft. It is an evergreen. But it is richly tinted and seems to enjoy our poor soil. Nandina foliuB atropurpurea — Iis an other of this family, of smaller and more compact growth. Its richest colours are in the autumn. Quite suitable for a rock garden. Amelanchier canadenis — Grows 15 ft. This is a lovely thing, beautiful in all seasons. Before the leaves appear in the spring it has masses of clear white clematis-like flowers, later followed by small red berries, while the foliage colours before falling. Rhus cotinoides — This is one of the loveliest of all autumn foliage shrubs, the leaves tum to shades of yellow orange and red. 15 ft. Nothqfagus fusca, Red" Beech — One of our natives. An evergreen, but its foliage turns bright colours as soon as the co-ld weather arrives. Splendid for decorative work. Suercus coccinea, "The Scarlet Oak — I Think we all fall for this lovely tree, and want to have it g^rowing whetiher our sections are large or small. 50 ft. Overcus palustris, Pin Oak — This has more finely cut foliage, but its colouring is just as brilliant. Viburnum Opulus, Guelder Rose — Grows 6 ft., has clusters of creamy flowers in the spring. The leaves colour well in the fall. Cornus florida, 15 ft. — Although the flowers of this species are not as showy as florida rubra, it has the most striking foliage; the ribbed leaves turn to deep claret.