Garden Problems

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30762, 28 May 1965, Page 6

Garden Problems

I have been away on leave recently and have been unable to answer gardener’s queries until today. It is hoped that readers who sent in problems during this period have ndt been too greatly inconvenienced by the delay in receiving a reply through this page. The opportunity is taken to remind readers to send representative samples, preferably not less than two, of any specimens for Identification or comment. Wrapping in polythene is also advocated as this keeps the specimens in good condition.

Ahy relevant information regarding the problem, such as position manorial treatment, chemicals applied, and so on, should be included. I am sending you a few blooms bought as Rhodohyposcls platyetela but as you can see they haven’t the slightest resemblance to it. Could you Identify It, please? Also, can you tell me where Romulea Thodel comes from and its colour? —B.W. (Akaroa).

Please See the above note regarding your first question—the specimens were unrecognisable. The plant referred'to, by the way. Is incorrectly spelt. It is Rhodohypoxis. Romulea Thodei originates in Basutoland. it grows six inches high and has a violet flower.

Ao soon as the leaves have fallen from my plum trees I wish to spray them with Bordeaux far “bladder plum” which they had last year. Can you tell me If this spray Is detrimental to Apricot trees, which are In close proximity. F.V. (Sumner). Apricot trees will not be damaged by Bordeaux mixture and in fact could well be sprayed at the same time, with the same preparation applied to the plum trees. Could you advise mo of the correct dilution of Formalin to use as a oterlllser for sell la tho home pardon? M.K. (Diamond Harbour). A two per eent formalin solution should be uted, that means

one part, by volume, of form alin in 49 parts of water.

I have two outdoor grapevines which carried lovely bunches of grapes. Unfortunately these were attacked by a grub. What can be done about It? Also should the vines be sprayed during the winter? When should Maidenhair Ferns be repotted Into larger pots? A.S. (Christchurch). As there are several caterpillars with a liking for grapes It is not possible to form an opinion as to which one is proving troublesome in your case, from your description. It is also too late in the season to do much about it. Lime sulphur at the rate of threequarters of a pint to one gallon of water is usually only applied to vines in the dormant stage, that is during the winter, if they are suffering from mildew or scales. With reference to the .potting on of the Maidenhair Fern, the general rule may,be applied of doing so when the growth of roots is such that the plant becomes pot-bound, otherwise the replacement with a little good quality potting soil only should suffice.