NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. . 75 



edgings are troublesome to keep neat, and should therefore 

 be avoided. The pattern of the garden must depend upon 

 the shape and size of the ground. Where the ground is not 

 so limited it may be laid down to grass and may have beds 

 cut in it ; but grass requires incessant care to keep it nice 

 if neglected, it soon becomes unsightly. Dandelion, cape 

 weed, and other abominations soon take possession, when 

 the desired effect will be completely frustrated. Then comes 

 the grub to complete the ruin. We shall have more to say 

 of this pest under the heading of " Lawns." 



Shrubs suitable for Small Gardens. A common 

 mistake frequently made by amateur gardeners in laying out 

 their plots of land, is the planting of trees and shrubs which 

 are quite unsuited for the purpose intended, viz., ornament- 

 ing the beds and borders. It is no uncommon thing to see 

 Cupressus macrocarpa, Pinus insignis, and Wellingtonias 

 planted in gardens containing only a few square perches. 

 This is an obvious mistake, as they soon outgrow everything 

 else and have to be cut down ; whereas, if a little judge- 

 ment were exercised when first planting, the collection would 

 consisc of a few dwarf-growing shrubs. These would remain 

 for years " a thing of beauty," especially if occasionally trans- 

 planted. The following can be recommended for small 

 gardens : Retinospora obtusa aurea, plumosa, aurea, 

 argentea, filifera, and ericoides. These are all Japanese 

 plants and are dwarf, compact growers. Berberis Darwinii 

 and T^ponica, Daphne indica and rubra, Deutzias, Kalmias, 

 Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Ribes aureum and sanguineum. 

 Numbers of others might be mentioned, including many 

 beautiful native shrubs, such as the Veronicas, &c., &c. 

 Collections of which can be seen at the public garden' 

 Christchurch, and elsewhere. 



Laying down a Lawn. When it is desired to form 

 a lawn, the ground should be trenched as directed for the 

 vegetable garden any time during the Autumn. If the 

 plot can be prepared in March a season may be gained by 

 sowing the grass seed during that month ; the surface must 

 be thoroughly pulverised and trodden down firmly. The 

 following is a good mixture, if procurable : Crested dog- 

 tail, 2lbs. ; Festuca tenuifolia, 4lbs. : Festuca duriuscula, albs.; 



