GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12569, 11 August 1906, Page 9

GARDEN NOTES.

(Br Hobtts.)

To study culture, and with artful toil To 'meliorate and tame the stubborn soil, To give dissimilar yet fruitful lands Tho grain, the herb, tho plant that each doto-xuls. These, these are arts panned -without- a crime. That leave no stalt. upon the wings of time. —Cowper. These axe fitting eenSaments with which to start the weekly garden column in "The Press," as thoy contain in concise form tho main principles and objects of horticulture. We purpose to elaborate cm tho main points on popular lines. Tho leading features of tho column will necessarily deal with the work for the week, giving hints as to tho cultivation and tilling of the soil, seed sowing, planting, pruning, training, and the genoral routine ot work associated with the garden. The cultivation of popular plants will be described, and general information regarding tho advanco of horticulture in other parts of the world will be given. Special attention will be given to questions concerning all foa-' tures of horticulture. DRAINAGE. Perhaps the most fitting subject for discussion in connection with garden' work at the present moment is that | of drainage. Christchurch gardens, owing to the recent heavy rainfall, aro generally in a sodden condition, and garden work in many places is almost at a standstill. This means a loss ot time, which cannot bo made good all through the spring and summer months, and' a considerable loss of plant energy, aud in some cases tho complete loss of the plants. Many are very susceptible to tho action of water on their rootlets, and in Nature provide either a necessary protection against its influence, or grow only in such places as ensure thorough drainago. The same species aro planted by man in his garden in badly drained soils, resulting in either the total loss of the plant, or only such developments as prove his ignorance of its needs. Wo have seen quite a number of gardens this winter which, owing to want ot drainage, will suffer heavily. At present., .the injury they havo suffered does not show itself, but when the spring and summer advances many trees and plants will make a sickly show of leaf development, and will ultimately dio. Inspection of the (roots will then soon prove that those fibres and rootlets which havo such- an influenoe on plant life, have been all destroyed by the action-of the water. Gooseberries particularly suffer in this respect, and tho coming summer will see nianv bushes, with leaves and fruit developed, suddenly collapse and die. Bad drainage often means loss to tlio trees and plants during the summer months through the action of drought. Land heavily charged with moisUure swells, and when tho moisture is removed it contracts, leaving large fissures or cracks, thus allowing tlie drying winds to affect the roots, and' thus hindering their action as water-drawers for the plant's Bystem which is above the ground. ! Drainage, "on the other hand, removes all superfluous water. It ensures the land being in condition for working at any time; it dries and simultaneously warms the soil. Trees and plants mature their growth and fruit more quickly. It means no loss of plant energy, but an increased banking account in favour of the demands which will be drawn upon it im the coming season. The trees are stronger and more vigorous, amd better able to withstand the attacks of either insects or fungoids. Badlydrained gardenß are noted' for all kinds of plant pests. Success in gardening may sometimes bo attained in gardens which are not drained, but in welldrained gardens success is assured if other conditions' are favourable.