Garden queries

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 16

Garden queries

We have a well developed Mcverna plum tree which is annually covered in blossom. However, in some years it does not bear any fruit, sometimes only a dozen or so. Could this be due to not being correctly pollinated although we do have several other varieties of plum here which do fruit.—B.W; (R.D. Parnassus).

The consistently low fruit set of this Japanese plum does suggest that lack of adequate pollination could well be the cause of the problem. Checks have failed to even find it listed, and it does not seem to be much grown although it is a fine, large, red plum, a little earlier than Purple King. Burbank, Billington, and Purple King are all capable of cross pollinating a large number of other Japanese plums, and so It may be worth using any of these to see if they will achieve results.

Can you suggest two evergreen trees which would give us sufficient privacy from a recently erected,

two-storey house on our eastern boundary. There are at least nine metres between our house and the boundary so we are not at all concerned at the shade these trees will cause. Could the suggested trees be purchased at an already well established height, or is this risky. There would be no problem with the neighbours if we plant such trees.—“ Not sure” (Chch).

It is possible to obtain quite large and well established trees specially prepared for transplanting at almost any time of the year. Availability of size species and variety does vary, depending on supply and demand. It will also be found that most of the bigger specimens of tree offered are deciduous. Two possible selections which would be suitable for the position mentioned include Azara and Agonis, but other considerations, are also possible.

We have recently got a young, miniature orchid and would appreciate any information about the care of it.—L.G. (Chch).

■ Assuming the orchid is a cymbidium, the most important aspects of their culture involve light, water, and potting mix. Light is necessary in successfully growing and flowering these plants, but it should not be direct. A constantly moist rooting medium should be avoided, rather it should be allowed to dry out. As a guide, water once a week during the summer and every fortnight in the winter. Young cymbidiums may need potting up every year, and then periodically when established. Soil is not used for these plants, but rather a potting mixture such as fine bark and peat, or one of the proprietary preparations available from most nurseries.

Gardeners’ Queries should be sent directly to Mr Mike Lusty, 56 Wayside Avenue, Christchurch 5. Samples should be separately wrapped in a plastic bag with air holes. Provide representative, good-sized samples, and your name and address. A nom-de-plume can be used for publication.