GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 136099, 25 April 1908, Page 7

GARDEN NOTES.

CBt HoßTna.)

Autumn, transplanting of flowering and decorative shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, should bo undertaken at any time now—the sooner the- better. This work results in greater success if the trees are got in to their permanent quarters before the ground gets cold with frost and wet. This autumn is very favourable For early planting, and those who have been confident enough to plant early are much in advance of those who are of a timorous nature. Some gardeners havo been advising delay, but without reason: if the weather had been dry and windy there would force in their contention io delay olantiJur till next month. Enthusiastic horticulr.iriiis aiKcng the early feettleitj of Canterbury alwav.s planted early in the season with the very best results; in fact, one of the squatters of the eixti.es. who planted some of tho largest plantations in the province, alwaye advocated oarly autumn planting beginning with the first week Tn ?:pfii. Tb.:e ls a principle that may be followed with safety when the autumn h a moist one. Should continuous dry nor-westers make t-uemsalvcs too much felt, some delay is advisable, and any planting done in tho autumn. whcji tho weather conditions are dry, should l>e assisted by copious supplies of water at the roots when tho planting is done. We aro pleased to say that advice already "iven in these columns in this directions is being followed. Quite a number followed these directions last autumn with such success as to induce, iiem to repeat the early planting this season Koses, particularly when planted early extra well, and with this popular flower early setting out is strongly advised. The work of laying down lawns in tho autumn may bo continued for another week or two. If l e f t till late, there is a possibility of tho newly germinated seed being thrown out of the ground by the heavy frosts 6 July. Tomatoes which are green on tho plants may be safeguarded from th" frost, and gradually developed until if > he ™"of the plant—both stems and fruit—is lifted up by the root a nd placed in a W neap. Some straw or sacking sliould bo placed under the plants, and also over the tops. This covering may be removed occasionally, and the air ajad

sunlight allowed to work their influence. Tho result will be a gradual development of the fruit in size, and also a .slow ripening. Mi the fruit is removed from the stems - when green it is likely to 6hrink and shrivel, but if allowwl to remain on the etcme of tho plant th© fruit.will draw nourishment, and eventually fill up and ripen. This system of storing tomatoes will enablo those who aro fond of this fruit to have abuudaut supplies till nearly midwinter.

FLOWEH GARDEN. Autumn flowers aro very scarce at prceeut, and will bo till'the Chrysanthemums and CY.snicw make their display. Uoth of tlipsc flowers «ro late this year, and should tho weather conditions bccoiro stormy, with frosta following, nrotoctiiig tiio uowers will bo ij.^cessar> - . xius is l>ost done by th* iHo of calico or thin oil cloth. "Both of these sub->t;ujcc3 dry quickly, which is an important point. Scrim becomes sodden and holds the moisture, and, as a result, frest is attracted to it. making its dcetrurtivo infiuenoo felt ripht through th.ie material. Chrysanthemums aro very bad with black fly in many gardens. Vso any of tho following:—Kerosene emulsion, MoDo insecticide, "Gislnirst's compound. or tob.aoco water, all of which arc very effective. Some. euccc\ss Ims befii saiuinl by the free use of a very simple cure, -uiimciiy, hot water, aboyt as not as it is possible to bear th« hand in. To this add a small quantity of soft soap or conunoß boap, and apply in tho afternoon., when tho foliage* is dry.