Gardeners’ queries

Press, 15 August 1980, Page 11

Gardeners’ queries

I should like to know the recommended procedure for the care of hyacinths bulbs (grown indoors) after flowering. Last year one bulb had a lovely flower and I let the leaves and bulb drv out in the pot. I repotted for the new season but it did not flower this year—just lush growth of green leaves.—K.P. (Tai Tapu). Bulbs grown in bowls inside are generally forced, and as such as unlikely to flower in the following year. But if planted out in the garden they should recover to flower again in the second year. Bulbs for potting should be prepared in late February (for hyacinths) and placed in a lark location where a cool temperature of about lOdeg. C. can be main-

talned. The bulbs should be kept in this situation until 20-25 min of growth protrudes from the bulb; later flowering requires progressively less forcing time. When planting in the bowl the tip of the bulb should be left to show clearly above the level of the potting soil; water by plunging the pot in water rather than watering from above, and avoid too warm' conditions. Could vou nlease tell me the name of this shrub which I have growing in my garden? No-one seems to know either what it is or how bio it grows. —H.B. (Christchurch). What you have is called Maytenus boaria. which is possibly more well known by its synonym of M.chilensis. an evergreen of considerable grace and hardiness, which can grow into a good-sized free

with somewhat pendulous branches; the flowers are relatively insignificant. The enclosed are some leaves from a Rhododendron which was planted two years ago. Could vou please tell me what spray to use to kill the fungus. Also recently In reply to a query you gave the name of a spray to use on asparagus beds to kill weeds. Could you please tell me what it was or in which paper it appeared— P.O. (Christchurch). The discolouration of the leaves is considered to be. due to a' physiological condition rather than a disease. More often than not it is an indication that the position does not suit the-rhododendron and it is suggested that it be replanted elsewhere. Begarding the control of weeds m asparagus beds, there are

several herbicides which can be used at different times of the year. Glyphosate can be applied at the post harvest and dormant stage provided that none of the asparagus is showing above the ground; diquat and paraquat, either alone, together, or in combination with simazine are effective when applied following the removal of asparagus fern in autumn and after it has become quite dormant. Simazine can be used by itself as a pre-emergence weed control when applied to clean asparagus beds in very early spring but it should not be used for more than three years in succession. Linuron can be applied after fern emergence and will control young weeds. Irrespective of what is used, read the recommendations first and apply as directed.