PLANTING OF SHRUBS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1939, Page 9

PLANTING OF SHRUBS

’ ' SOIL PREPARATION. Although they are among the most permament features of almost every garden, hedges are generally haphazardly planted. Not sufficient regard is given to the fact that the rate of growth, density, general behaviour, and formation of a good hedge are primarily determined at the time of planting. No matter how eager the gardener may be to see a screen or windbreak in full growth, he must bo patient and let his hedge grow up naturally. In the earnest desire to see their hedges at full stature, many amateurs make the mistake of buying comparatively .large plants, three or four years old, with the idea that they will provide a good hedge all the sooner. In actual practice, it is much/safer, and more satisfying in result,-to buy young one or t\vo-year-old plants. It is not only more economical, but young trees really- do get hold sooner, and in a year or two surges 1 the hedge of older trees in density'and formation.

It is important, in the interests of the hedge’s permanent good -looks as well as health, that it should be well planted. If young saplings are chosen, a trench at least double spade width should be dug, and the top soil laid on one side while the subsoil is thoroughly broken up. The success of a hedge depends upon a good bushy and fibrous root system, and this can only develop in good, well-drained soil. If the site is illdrained, which is not always preventable. the subsoil should be well forked and mixed with old rubble and peat moss litter. This aids drainage, aerates the subsoil, and promotes a warmer soil by the bacterial action. that the peat moss engenders, all of which are conducive to the formation of a beautiful hedge. Young plants should be ordered and planted at .the distances recommended by the nuresryman. Small box plants need to be from four to six inches apart, shrubs like privet from eight to 12 inches, and conifers from 15 to 24 inches, according to their kind. Close planting is particularly important where a dense formal hedge, to be kept well clipped, is desired. The second essential is to plant deep, so that the plants are covered as far as their lowest branches. This ensures a hedge that will be furnished right down io the ground. In planting it is best, to give each shrub or tree individual attention, and see that its roots are equally distributed and spread out before filling in the top soil. This. too. develops equalised branching on each side of the hedge. Cover the roots with a few inches of soil, and give the plant a perpendicular shake so that' the soil is well and firmly, placed around the roots, leaving no air pockets. Then fill up with Soil, and tread well. If. you have the material, a top mulch of old manure, compost. or peat litter, mixed with a little soil is an excellent blanket that will prevent the roots from becoming dry. If the plants are dry at the roots when they arrive from the nursery it is as well to puddle them. This is dene by making a thick soup of water and loam in a tub or bath, and dipping the roots in it. The coating of soupy soil gives the roots something to feed on while becoming established in their new environment. ,