Gardeners’ queries

Press, 4 May 1984, Page 11

Gardeners’ queries

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

Could you identify the enclosed plant and give me some growing hints on it? The owner told me that it was both difficult to grow and to obtain. F.B. (Sumner).

The plant is Anaphalis, most likely the species A. Yedoensis. It is one of a genus of hardy perennials with attractive grey-green foliage, the flowers of which are very suitable for both fresh and dried floral arrangements. This one is of Japanese origin and, like the others of the genus, does best in a well drained sunny position; once established little watering is necessary. They are not difficult plants to grow, and are available from local nurseries from time to time.

My apple tree produced Cox’s Orange apples this year, which show spots' as in the enclosed sample — approximately a quarter show these spots, often invisible before peeling. Could you inform me of the cause and future prevention? A.S. (Chch). It is essential to send fully representative samples for recognition purposes, whether

this concerns identification of plant material, disease symptoms, or whatever. Unfortunately peelings do not provide much assistance in this case, especially when there are one or two possibilities regarding the problem. If this query is resubmitted with one or two complete fruit it should be possible to diagnose the trouble.

I planted out 28 tomato plants in three different parts of the garden, two varieties, and from different shops. I have only five left. The rest died off with stem rot. Could you suggest why this happened, and a remedy? C.R. (Chch).

Again we run into a situation which cannot be satisfactory answered because there are no plants for examination and there are several factors which could contribute towards the demise of the tomato plants. It is possible that a persistent soil-borne disease has manifested itself in the garden. The problem becomes accentuated where the drainage is poor, and/or excessive watering is carried out. If this is the case drainage should be improved and the soil should be sterilised. Regretfully there is little else that can be said at this juncture.

Gardener’s queries should be sent to Mr M. Lusty. From May 6 the address will be 56 Wayside Avenue, Christchurch 5. Samples should be well wrapped, contained in a plastic bag with air holes. Wrap them separately and provide representative, good-sized samples.