GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15220, 6 March 1915, Page 7

GARDEN NOTES.

(Br HoßTua.) ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Mrs J., Rangior_—The specimen yon sent was • tho "Dipl_cu- glutinosa, a shrubby plant belonging .to the Mimuluo family, with which it is now classed by the botani-ts. At ono time it \ was largely ' - grown as a pot plant, but now seldom.'It docs well in any place free from severe frosts, and as a wall, plant is strongly recommended. A • point worth mentioning about it is that the stigma of tho flower is irritable, and closes up when touched.' Tho reason for such irritation has to do with tho fertilisation of the flower. . The Diplacus is not only beautiful, but intere-ting.

GENERAL REMARKS

Those of pessimistic temperament are prophesying that the summer is past, that winter will soon be here, and that no further growth may be expected this season** Tho optimist says that the experience of the past justifies the hope that hot Weather, with much moisture in the air. will be the experience in March and April, and in consequence growth will be free till the frosts appear. It is the optimist ■ that is usually right. Although the rainfall is below the average for January and Fobruary, yet there is a satisfactory growth among the vegetables, and it is pleasing to state little blight in most places. Root crops are growing freely, and garden prospects are not so unfavourable as at one time appeared. Although the frosts of spring were so damaging and a complete failure of fruit was promised, yet the supply of early pears has exceeded the demand, and during the week have been a glut in the market, and have sold much bolow payable prices. This glut, however," will soon be over, and normal conditions will then prevail. Flowers are now in abundance everywhere, the cooler and moister weather favouring the development of all the autumn flowers.

FLOWER GARDEN

Last- month's notes advocated the planting out of Peonies at this season of the year, and advanced reasons for such early planting. The same arguments may be used regarding the subdividing and planting out of the herbaceous" Phlox, which do best when set out iv-t after they are finishing the blooming. To lift the Phlox now and divide and set out will allow fresh roots to develop, and get a grin of the soil while it is warm and make good any loss before the coldof winter sets m. As a>esult the roots, by their actmty, etart the building; up process of growth in the'stems. whicn are to bear the flowers the following summer. Autumn planting of tms family. of plant, 1S ItronSv advocated. Quite a number of herbaceous plants may be set out

now, such as Dielytra. Delphiniums, Stokesia, Scabiosa. Pentstemons. Antirrhinums, Agrilegias, Perennial Poppies, Pvrethrums, Gaillardias. Coreopsis, etc., all of which will, if planted out immediately, grip the soil and add much to their strength and size before winter arrives. Iceland Poppies. Wallflowers. Brompton Stocks, and Canterbury Bells shonld be set out at an early date if good results are desired early next summer. The soil is now damp enough for moving polyanthus, primroses, and auriculas, and settinc them out in their new quarters. Wonderful results m3y be obtained from these spring flowers if richly fed, this with rotted stable manure (pig manure is even better), or plenty of bonednst. Plants of these grown in boxes transplant best, as they do not suffer from the moving like those lifted from the open ground. Bulb planting should be continued and finished at an early date. Narcissi respond to a free application of bonedust or basic slag in the soil betore setting out. such treatment increases the size of the flowers in a marked degree. Preparations must be made for sowing sweet peas in sheltered places near the sea. where the winter frosts are not felt. On the hills above the frost-line sweet peas mu-st he sown early to obtain the host results.

KITCHEN GARDEN

The showery weather is helping the tomatoes to swell, and with an abundant rainfall duriner the month and some hot weather this fruit will increase quickly in size and become thinskinned" in consequence of the swelling. At the present time complaints are made that are thick-skinned and lacking in juiciness; this is explained either by th« dry weather or a lack of feeding. Those who have fed and watered their plants are obtaining hieh quality tomatoes. _ Potatoes which have ripened in the foliage should be lifted, and after drying, be stored. To leave them in the ground is to run the risk of their starting to grow again and loss of value will result. Carrots, beet, and parsnips will, if the weather remains favourable to growth, double their size before the winter, that is, if the foliage is active and not showing any signs of ripening. Leeks and celery and the cauliflower and savoy family will grow rapidly from now on, the cooler nights and the heavy dews suiting these plants. Another and perhaps tho last sowing of turnips for winter use must be made at an early date, this to have larf.e enough roots for- table use. Another sowing may be made later, this for the tons, whioh are a popular <reen vegetable with many people. To hasten the turrin errowth at. this time, dress the soil with artificial manure before cowintr the seed. This will quicken the development- of the roots, and such, in conseouenco of hastened rrrow+h. will ho all the more tender. Another sowing of lcf-uce thoti'd he made, mid h "re aim in under stimulating conditions if wanted for late autumn use.

THE. SCARLET GUM. EUCALYPTUS FICTFOLIA

The scarlet gum of Australia is ono of the most brilliant flowers of the Southern Hemisphere. It is a bright scarlet and borne in great abundance at the end of the branches. The tree does not attain a great height,' and is bushy in form. Its flowering period is tho present time. It is not hardy enough to stand tho severe frosts of Christchurch, but grows anywhere on the Peninsula facing the sea. There aro a number of olaats growing in sheltered places in the bays. At Sumner, Mrs P. Hill, of Colenso street, has a b*sh in full flower at the present time, which has attracted a number of peoplo to see and to enquire about its name and habitat.