lo Nov.. 1908.] Garden Notes. 699 



GARDEN NOTES. 



/. Croniii, Principal, ScJiool of Horticulture, Burnley. 



Hardy Shrubs. 



The general term, hardy shrub, is applicable to plants with woody 

 stems, whose stature, when fully developed, does not exceed twelve or 

 fifteen feet, with a low and branching habit of growth, and a constitution 

 that enables them to resist extremes of heat and cold. Shrubs are divided 

 into two classes, viz., evergreen — those that retain their foliage during the 

 whole year ; and deciduous — those that are devoid of leaves during the ' 

 winter months. In each class many kinds are included that are practically 

 indispensable in a collection of garden plants, as they supply, in addit:on 

 to a floral or foliage effect at certain periods, a protection or background 

 to more tender or dwarfer plants. Flowering shrubs as the Magnolia, 

 Oleander and others have been specially referred to in these " notes," and 

 the purpose of this short article is to briefly refer to additional kinds that 

 are suitable to the ordinary gardening conditions obtaining in the greater 

 part of the State and which can be obtained at a reasonable cost in any 

 of the principal nurseries. Most of the deciduous shrubs generally cul- 

 tivated are found to thrive best in cool, loamy soils, and are suitable for 

 planting in districts south of the Dividing Range; while many evergreens 

 require a light, warm soil and considerable heat to attain perfection. 

 Many shrubs native to various parts of Australia are worthy of much more 

 attention than they commonly receive, and are easily grown in compara- 

 tively poor and unmanured soil. 



A well-drained and fairly porous soil is suitable for most of the plants 

 recommended below. The soil should be properly prepared and, if neces- 

 sary, be manured before the plants are set out, so that when once estab- 

 lished there will be no occasion for root disturbance. Planting from pots 

 may be done at any time during the growing season. Spring and autumn 

 months are generally considered the most suitable periods for the work, 

 but if a supply of water is available, planting may be done throughout 

 summer, avoidmg very hot and windy days, and shading the plants for a 

 time if necessary. Deciduous shrubs are usually transplanted from the 

 open ground during the winter months. The best time to do so is when 

 the leaves are falling in autumn, as the plants recover from the check 

 consequent on transplanting before spring, and are fairly established before 

 the hot summer weather begins. 



During the first growing season, at least, the plants will probably 

 require some care in watering, training, &c. ; cultivation of the soil and 

 mulching around the plants will assist them, except in the case of the 

 Australian plants which resent the application of manure and thrive better 

 when the surface is onlv lightly worked. 



Desirable Kinds for Small Gardens. 



Shrubs that eventuallv attain a height of from three to six feet are 

 most suitable for planting in small places, and in larger gardens for plant- 

 ing in the foreground of extensive borders or groups. 



Choisya ternata is one of the best of the spring blooming evergreen 

 shrubs, producing quantities of white flowers, sweetly perfumed, the foliage 

 being deep green and shining and the plant quite hardy. 



