GARDENING

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 45, 1 May 1984, Page 6

GARDENING

There are several valid reasons why gardeners should include trees, shrubs and perennials attractive to birds in their garden. The Waimarino has quite a varied bird population both indigenous and imported which inhabit home gardens, although some are now becoming scarce. Tuis,. bellbirds, native pigeons, silver eyes, grey warblers, moreporks are the natives. Imports are house sparrows, hedge sparrows, chaffinches, linnets, goldfinches, blackbirds, thrushes, starlings and yellowhammers. In spite of some damage done, between them they eat an enormous quantity of pests and weed seeds and some help pollinate flowers. There are probably 30 to 40 trees and shrubs which do quite well in this district and which attract birds, provide quite a show and are worth growing in their own right. Even if you only find room for one or two you are doing something to assist our feathered friends. First in my list is Bottlebrush (Callistemon) without a doubt the most

attractive. Then there are Flax (Phormium), Waratah (Telopea), Rowan (Sorbus), Kowhai (Sophora), Beech (Fagus), Honeysuckle tree (Knightia), Camillias, Honey Myrtle (Melalevca), Flowering Currant (Ribes), Elderberry (Sambucus), Red Flot Poker (Kniphofia), Eucalyptus, Corokia (Cotoneaster), Forsythia, Fire Thorn (Pyracantha), Kaka Beak (Clianthus), Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium). The list could be much longer and you are advised to look up "Trees and Shrubs" by R.E. and C.R. Harrison, "Illustrated Planting Guide" by R.E. Harrison or "Palmers Manual of Trees and Shrubs" by S.J. Palmer to check on hardiness rating and best varieties. If you do not have the books get them from the Public Library or ask advice from Garden Club members. Now is the time to prepare sites for planting trees and shrubs later in July to

September. Check the drainage and it pays to put in stakes before planting so this can be done in preparation. Include a good measure of leafmould and compost but beware of adding manures in the first year. This is particularly important when planting fruit trees or shrubs which are purchased with bare roots usually wrapped in sawdust and plastic. Pruning Winter months are time for pruning and if you're uncertain or find some pruning books hard to follow (they do not seem to match your tree) now is the time to ask around for help. Berry fruits in particular need to be done correctly to produce a good crop. If you have children try to get them interested in horticulture and not just the chore of lawnmowing. Ruapehu College now have an option available in plant propagation which is a very fascinating subject.

T.L.

FrancLj^

Raetihi Garden