GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14072, 17 June 1911, Page 7

GARDEN NOTES.

(By Horttjs.) ' ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Timsru. —Now is a good time to apply bono dust to curxuuts, gooseberries, and raspboiries. ~ GENERAL JIEMARKS. Tfio heavy rainfall since the last notes appeared will do an immeasurable amount of gocd in tho garden. Not only will it fit the soil for working and planting, but also clean the ir nit trees of much blight. It has thoronghlv washed tho foliage of tho evergreen trees, leaving tho surface of the loaves free from dust, which is so destructive to plant life. With the foliage cleansed, the breathing may take placo, and also the assimilation of light. Evergreen trees, too, will benefit by the thorough soaking at the roots, which they have not had for a very long time. Frost is desired now by gardeners, to keep trees and plants in check, for after the rain they are liable to activity. As a matter of fact, many trees are already sbornng signs of growth—poaches and early plums particularly—and should tho winter bs mild, these trees will bo in full flowvr weeks ahead of their proper season. Harking back to evergreen shrubs, now is a good time to prune them, particularly Camellias. Rhododendrons, Hollie3, etc. These, plante often become overgrown or stuntsd,' and will stand the use of the pruning knife or shears with advantage. Lanrestinas and Laurels may oe cut right back to tho main stems; this wi'.f renew the bushes and give them a new l<\iso of life. When evergreens have been vigorously pruned, it is advisable to top dress the base of tha plants with decayed manure or rotton turf Icani, or, better still, decayed leaves. This should be done at once after pruning.