GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 60, 11 March 1953, Page 7

GARDENS IN TAUPO

SHRUBS FOR WALLS

(By

Flora)

Perbaps you have just moved into your new home. You have had to build well above giround level to get an uninterrupted view. Or the ground was uneven making it neeessary to build foundations to quite a height before floor level was reached. Unless these uninteresting walls are softened by the foliage of correctly chosen plants the whole effect is dismal and unsightly. There are a number of N shrubs whose habit oi growth seems specially designed foi the puirpose of wall covering without their being true climbers. These dwarf shrubs are also effective where a garden is provided with a low wall. The shrubs soften the outline of the wall without towering above it.

Flowering Quince This shrub (Cydonia japonica) is an excellent subject for the purpose in view. 1 It can be pruned to lie flat against the wall or, if plenty of room is available, it can be allowed to grow naturally. It is the wellknown japonica and can be obtained in several colours, red, white, pink and salmon pink. It flowers, according to the variety, from early winter to late spring. Berberis Several of these would be suitable, the evergreen ones the best. They are very haa*dy and most bear an abundance of pretty berries. Ceanothus These are sun-loving, with attractive foliage and masses of flowers usually in various shades of blue Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles has a iong flowering period through summer and autumn. Jasminum nudiflorum This is a cheery friend, floweiring throughout winter if a little protection is obtainable from an overliang, It has bright yellow flowers. Camellia sasanqua These camellias do not tarnish so readily as other sorts. Their glossy foliage and graceful habit flt them admirably for wall furnishing, as well as fcir planting as specimens in * lawns and garden beds. They have wax-like flowers with long goldenyellow stamens.

Lonicera - "Honeysuckle" Some varieties are quite suitable but they must be kept in bounds by regular pruning, for once given a free hand they will quickly cover more than just the required spot. : Lonicera Hildebtrandiana is particu- • larly lovely, with very conspicious and fragrant reddish-buff clusters of ' flowers four to six inches long. It requires a little support if the area covered is all upright. Cotoneaster microphylla This shrub is very rigid in habit of growth, is extremely hardy and bears masses of scarlet berries after the white flowers. Kerria japonica This bears double yellow flowers in early spring. A choice from the above shrubs should help soften the frowning btrows of wood or masonry surrounding the house or to throw shadowy silhouettes when the sun shines brightly. •