MERIT AWARDS INDICATE EXCELLENCE IN PLANTS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 6

MERIT AWARDS INDICATE EXCELLENCE IN PLANTS

GARDEN NOTES

[Specially written for e, The Press"} [By T. D. LENNIE, A.H.R.1.H., N.Z.}

Friday, July 6, 1956. What does merit mean? It means the quality of excellence and sound worth, what one deserves, value. In horticulture, the word is familiar to all of us in connexion with the awards of merit granted by horticultural societies to new introductions whether new species, new hybrids or new varieties. Sometimes an exhibit or a trade display can receive an award of merit, but each award is properly representative of the true meaning of the word merit. This title is not lightly given at any time. If a raiser of a plant can get an award of merit for that plant, it is then known all over the world as having the hallmark of quality. The Royal Horticultural Society is the body which awards the award of merit, usually after growing trials in the society's own gardens at Wisley. Certain specialist bodies such as the National Rose, Dahlia, Delphinium, and Chrysanthemum Societies, can grant their own awards of merit to the novelties in their particular family. From the point of view that the giving is in the hands of recognised specialists in their own fields, the value of their awards is also recognised universally. A little more than 30 years ago, a special award of garden merit was established by the Royal Horticultural Society. This is to honour plants which are of pronounced value in the garden irrespective of any exhibition qualities they may possess. This award is nearly always granted after the plant has been under trial at Wisley. FLOWER GARDEN It would only be human nature to cast about for the easiest and most comfortable jobs during the cold days of winter. One can find no fault with that arrangement, for these same easy jobs are offering all the time. Trimming the hedge is an ideal job for a cold day, and one that can be well done this month. Pruning and spraying should be done now. A wise gardener checks over requirements before startingsecateurs, pruning saw, lime sulphur, and red oil.

So far winter routine has not been seriously upset by the weather and the wise gardener will push on with .he more pressing jobs. Tree planting will be in the minds of many people and can be done with ill success now. In all older gardens, ierelict shrubs, exist which can weil ie removed for replacement by one or jther of the newer things offering, .’lowering shrubs allow of variety and are too important to overlook. Apart rom the lovely and effective flowering fruits of September and October -apples, prunus, apricot, peach, and merry—there are many other good hings: for instance, Acacia baileyna. lowering gums in pink and scarlet, Magnolia stellata, Cornus florida, iouble red hawthorn. Camellia usanqua, protea, dryandra, androneda. and kalmia with the showy new nanukas—martini and keatley. Certain shrub families cannot be iverlooked. Rhododendrons and Ericas ire two that are recommended for general planting. Rhododendrons a i PP j a l for P lantin g in more or less shaded positions, in black soil, with not too much north-west exposure. Fhey are available in many fine shades as the later English and Continental varieties are now freely available.

Small birds are liable to eat off the tops of carnation and polyanthus buds ho h rH re r th T? y are B rowin B in a sunny border It seems strange that birds leave alone those in a cold position. A few strands of black cotton round low sticks is the best preventative. Eneas are in a class by themselves O in e K ou . ld be a boid to nomt„bHSt' 1 thl '?, k most satisfaction is obtained—as in the case of the lily specialist—by establishing a collect u r f e so l l . cond ’tiohs and locality neatv ?" cas rejoice in a warm. k. not to ° much sun „ e u+ v with good drainage in a Ki?/’ lir ”s;f ree soil. Such conditions exist on hilly country such as Cashmere or Heathcote, but many ericas are hardy enough to flourish in most Christchurch gardens. Roses can be planted. Here again numerous varieties are quite modern, but many of the older sorts, such a< Ot u , Et , oile de Holland, and Elizabeth of York cannot be overlooked. It says a lot for Shot Silk that it is still one of the favourites after 50 years of competition from novelties which appear each year, many not to be seen again. Before planting new plants, do not begrudge Gigging in compost or farm manure. Azaleas can also be freely used, They succeed in most positions, and luxuriate in association with deciduOUS trees or shrubs, where shelter from hot sun is assured. A. mollis .ypifies the deciduous branch, giving abundant warm colourings in yellow. °I? ngE \ salm °n, pink, and flame. The other type, A. indica, is evergreen, providing a wonderful variety of col-

our, self and parti-coloured, with rather larger flowers. This class comprises lovely pot plants for the greenhouse. The shrubs are really miniature rhododendrons, rich in deep pink and red tones. VEGETABLE GARDEN Preparations can be begun for spring sowing and planting. Where good supplies of farm manure or compost are available, this can be spread over vacant ground, two to three inches thick, and dug in. It will have disintegrated before sowing. Rhubarb may need attention if the roots have been in position for some years. Lift the crowns, dividing off the fertile outer quarters for replanting, and use the worn-out centres for the compost heap. Early potato tubers can be boxed under cover for sprouting. The choice this year is very limited — mainly Epicure and Cliffs Kidney. Broad beans, early peas, lettuce, cabbage can be sown in warmer spots. Shallots, garlic, lettuce, and cabbage plants can be planted for early use. Carry on with pruning and spraying of fruit trees. This is a job which can be done when the soil is too wet for working. Questions are often asked about priority in pruning and spraying. Without doubt the safest course is to spray both before and after pruning. If spraying is done after pruning, care should be taken that all prunings are gathered up; otherwise disease spores could be left on the soil for next season.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Apple Pie (Cheviot.—The six cooking apples to cover the season would be Beauty of Bath, Reinnettc du Canada. Lord Wolseley, Granny Smith, Ballarat Seedling, and Alfriston.

j's.B. (Timaru).—The twigs were a little mutilated. (1) Daphne mazenum, the deciduous variety, with carmine flowers before the foliage; <2) Daphne Burkwoodi.