LAYERING CAMELLIAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 189, 12 August 1933, Page 6 (Supplement)

LAYERING CAMELLIAS.

EASY TO ROOT. Layering is tho method of propagation that is mostly practised, as plants can bo obtained more quickly than by Any other way. The operation is performed by bending down tlio branches, tho gruiind being previously loosened to receive them, aiul making :i cut below a bud, slanting upward about an inch and a half long and half-way through; The branches should then be securely fixed in the ground, by means of strong liooked pegs made for tho purpose. The theory of layering is the formation

of roots upon that portion of the branch that has been separated by the downward flow of sap. Care must therefore be taken not to allow the cut to close, or tho operation will be ineffective. The ground about the layers should bo kept moderately moist; and if the -n-eather is hot, they will be all the l>ettcr if sheltered from tho sun by mieans of a few small, branches placed over them. In about six months they will be sufficiently rooted, when they should be taken up carefully, and potted in a light, rich, loamy soil, using plenty of drainage. The operation may bo performed with an equal chance of success cither in tho spring or autumn. STANDARD ROSES. Standard roses arc thoso that arc budded on a strong growing stock some distance above the ground, giving the plant the appearance of being all top. If these were cut to the ground there would bo nothing left, but at the same time they require pruning as the dwarf sorts. Treat the top growth in the same way

DESTROYING SCALE INSECTS. Variotis scale insects are prevalent upon many of our test trees and shrubs, giving, them an unsightly appearance by the black smut on the foliage that invariably denotes the prevalence of scale. Several of our native shrubs are badly affected in this manner, notably puriri, oleariae, 'karakas, Pittosporums, also laurels, camellias, leanders and many others,. All.should be,dressed with kerosene emulsion or other suitable insecticide. Camellia bushes should be pruned as soon as they have done flowering, and thoroughly sprayed to rid the foliage of scale insects. The white oil sprays now offered can be used in place of kerosene emulsion. GRAFTING CAMELLIAS. Grafting is a method of propagation that gives the benefit of strong growing stocks to the more weakly varieties, which, as a rule, do not flourish upon their own roots. This method is also useful for propagating choice varieties quickly, and for the substitution of better and newer kinds on old-established stocks. Various methods of grafting are practised, according to circumstances, but the principal is the same in all, viz.— to unite the parts exactly, and to see that the hark on both scion and stock join on at least one side. The more expeditiously the operation of grafting is performed the better, in order to prevent the sap from drying up in the scion. Early in spring is the best time for graftii-; camellias, as the plants are then in full activity, and the buds beginning to swell. The chances of success will be greater if the grafts can be covered with glasses to shut out the external air and prevent evaporation from the leaves. The union will require to be covered with clay or some other material to keep out the air, and should be moistened frequently. Grafted plants will require to be examined every few days, and all shoots from the stock must he rubbed off. When the unicr. is complete, which may be known by the scion commencing to grow, the ties should be removed. Budding is a method rot much practised, except with new or choice kinds which it is desirable to propagate quickly. It may be performed at any time when the current year's wood is ripening. KEEP THE SOIL WORKING. No land in the garden should be allowed to remain bare or under weeds through the winter. It should be deeply dug and sown with oats, rye corn, winter harley, vetches, trefoils, or any crop that will grow at this season of the year, and as soon as the crop has reached a moderate size it should be dug under for green manure. Such a procedure, besides keeping the soil free from weeds, Trill immensely improve the soil.