Garden queries

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 10

Garden queries

Enclosed are some leaves and buds from my Chinese Lantern Shrub. I have sprayed the tree with Pyrox, and Saprol. Would you please let me know whether anything else should be done? W.B. (Chch). The sooty appearance of the appendages of this abutilon are caused by the presence of a mould fungus; it thrives on the excrescence, so called honey dew, exuded by certain scale insects and some aphids. Spraying oil and acephate should give control of the pests. Please identify the enclosed weed which is taking over my lawn, and advise how to eradicate it. J.T. (Chch). Yet again waxweed, the common name given to hydrocotyle, is identified as an aggressor in a lawn. As has been said before, probably the most effective herbicide at present is the combination of ioxynil, bromoxynil, dlclorprop and MCPA which is at present only available in five and 20 litre packs. Dicamba plus 2,4-D, which is obtainable in much smaller quantities, is possibly the most suitable alternative. A wetting

agent should be added irrespective of whatever weedkiller is used when treating a lawn for waxweed. It is proposed to deal with this problem in a more detailed article very shortly. About four years ago you published an article on growing oranges on the flat in Christchurch. Encouraged by the article and the accompanying photograph I bought an orange “Best Seedless.” It has grown rapidly in the past three years and borne fruit each year. This year’s fruit, although larger than previous years, is still so small, thickskinned and sour, as to be inedible. Is there a better variety for Christchurch conditions, and under what conditions was the one pictured growing? J.G. (Chch). The photograph referred to actually pictured an unknown variety of grapefruit probably a Wheenle or Morrison’s seedless: it was growing with an easterly and southerly fence backing in a garden close to the foot of the hills. It is essential to provide protection from frost and cold wind, as well as adequate soil and moisture for citrus to

thrive and produce quality frail Unless these requirements can be met, particularly if you want to grow oranges on the flat in Christchurch, results are not likely to be satisfactory. No variety of orange can be especially recommended for more general local planting. There is a growing amount of this weed in much of my shrubbery, and it keeps coming back in spite of having hoed it and pulled out large clumps. What is it, and how should it be dealt with? P.S. (Chch). This plant, with its quite distinctive, dark green sagitate leaves, is known as Italian arum, Arum italicum. It is fairly common and multiplies through its tubers. Control is not achieved by hoeing but only through the careful removal of the entire plant.

Spot treatment with amitrol-T can also be effective but .may have to be repeated for best results. I am seeking information on ground cover species sritaSle for planting on clay bank in a Marlborough Sounds property. The bank receives all day sun so It becomes very dry In the summer. Watering can be arranged while the plants establish; the slope is now groaned. The objective- is complete cover which would subsequently require minimal maintenance. “No more mowing.” (Blenheim). It would have been helpful to have had more information regarding the site to provide a more purposeful answer; The following suggestions are given solely for guidance and do not purport to be any more than that Prostrate and semi-prostrate Grevilleas, Callunas, Ericas, Bankslas, Leucospermums, Coprosmas, Hebes, Ceanothus, Senecips, Melaleucas and Rosmarinus, all provide plenty of,. colour and variety. ’ , •’ Gardeners’ Queries should be sent directly to Mr Mike Lusty, M 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.