Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 5/Article 9

by James Coutts Crawford

Art. IX.—Directions for Raising and Spreading Ammophila arundinacea and Elymus arenarius. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.

[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 23rd October, 1872.]

If the seeds of these grapes are simply scattered on the sandhills there will be great waste of seed; much will be blown away and lost, particularly if sown where the sand is actually in motion.

1. If there is any good land at the place a nursery ought to be fenced in and a quantity of plants raised there as a stand by. When well established a number of these plants should be broken up every winter and planted out, but care should be taken to replant in the nursery, and to keep it permanent.

2. In sowing beds in the open, particularly late in the season, moist and sheltered places should be selected, and the seeds trodden in or slightly covered.

3. When the plants are fairly grown and form large bunches a number of them may then be broken up into several hundred plants each, and planted out. They must be planted deep so as to have a good hold of the ground, otherwise many will blow out. It is also advisable when planting to cut off the tops of the leaves, as the plants do not then suffer so much from the wind before getting rooted and established. I use, for planting, a small spade, and make a slit, well opened, the full depth of the blade.

4. It is advisable to commence planting in hollows surrounding the sandhills and gradually to work round them.

5. It will take a year or two before the plants make much show, afterwards planting out must go on all through the winter season.

6. The planting out of these grapes requires thought, judgment, and constant attention, otherwise a very small result will be attained.