Home Garden Problems And Remedies . . .

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 3, 4 January 1941, Page 7 (Supplement)

Home Garden Problems And Remedies . . .

HOW to prolong the flowering life of roses is a question asked by an Onehunga correspondent, who signs himself "Rose Lover." When the first flush of rose bloom is over it is a good plan to cut back the shoots that have borne blooms. They may be shortened by 6in or Bin with advantage, for the lower buds will then send up fresh, strong shoots for later blooming. The next flowers will be finer if all small, weakly shoots are cut out. Japanese Maples W.G. (Pt. Chevalier) writes that his Japanese maple was badly damaged by wind burn in the spring and now looks far from »f. isfactory.—To stimulate growth a heavy application of liquid manure should be given now and another in a fortnight's time. In addition to this, the ground about the tree should be mulched with a twoinch layer of old manure or half-mould. Any twigs that were killed outright by the wind should be cut oS. Hedge-Clipping Time PRIVET (Epsom) asks whether privets should be cut back severely.—Hedges of privet need clipping this month, for they grow more freely than most other hedge shrubs. It is wise to clip tice helps to keep the lower part of the hedge well furnished. Mulching the soil near the hedge with lawn mowings and watering freely in hot weather ensures fine growth. Indoor Palm Dying H. O'BRIAN (Epsom) writes that the leaves of a palm in a pot are gradually dying back from the tips. It is watered from the bottom up and usually stands in the corner o> me sitting room. It had a new leaf for some time, which failed

to open. Por some weeks the palm has been fed with a fertiliser.—Apparently the position and atmosphere are not suitable and it will be found that the roots are either dead or very unhealthy. Fertiliser would be of value only if the plant were healthy, but in its present state nothing is of avail until the plant can produce some healthy roots The only hope is to plant it out In a sheltered corner In some good soil, when it may recover. Apple Pruning FREAK APPLE (Onehunga) writes that a seedling apple in his gurden has fruited for the first time, having two distinct types of fruit. Three are large, green, and faintly striped, something like a Cox Orange Pippin, while on the upper branches are two sprays of small bright red apples, something like Scarlet Pearmain, only smaller. The tree constantly sends up dozens of suckers a few inches from the main trunk. Is root pruning necessary, he asks, and how can the thick mass of growth in the branches be pruned?— From the description it would appear that the tree is not a seedling, but Is a worked tree, and that the stock has been allowed to crow. Root pruning will not control the suckering, but winter pruning to give the branches a chance to develop properly Is quite necessary. Home-made Weed Killer K.S. (Mount Rnsklll).—There are several reliable proprietary weed killers, and you would be well advised to consult your seedsman. Here is a home-made one that will be helpful In destroying weeds on a gravel path: Place a quarter of a pound of arsenic and a similar amount of caustic soda in one gallon of water and boil the mixture until the liquid becomes clear Pour the solution into bottles (be careful to label them "poison"). For use take a small cupful and pour it into a gallon of water, then spray the solution on the path. Take care that the poison does not reach plant edgings or it may kill them. Salt, scattered on the path or used as a liquid, also acts as a weed killer. Succession of Perennials \ W.B. (Wantanui) points out that he has a big garden and does not wish to bother with annuals. He asks for a succession of perennials to assure him a constant show.—Here are some good freeflowering perennials that will assure flowers throughout the year: Amaryllis, anemone, japonica. perennial aster, chrysanthemum maximum Coreopsis grandiflora, delphiniums, gerbera helenium, helianthus, iris. Japanese and Germanica varieties. kniphofla. perennial phlox pyrethrum, veronica, watsonlas.