Gardeners' queries

Press, 17 June 1988, Page 10

Gardeners ' queries

Would you please identify the enclosed plant Each branch is about two feet tall and has two or three sprays of flowers on each stalk. The plant seems to have a mild herbal perfume. “Enquiries” Geraldine. It is possible that your plant is a boronia — it was too dried up to make a positive identification. I enclose a sample of weed which grows in great profusion in the garden. It has big hair-like roots. My neighbours did not have this weed until they used sheep manure. Another thing, my cauliflowers do not seem to be hearting whereas the cabbages, transplanted with the caulis in January, have done well. M.T. (Cheviot).

The weed causing the consternation is commonly known as speedwell, a Veronica. This is an annual herb not confined to any area and regarded as innocuous and easily kept under control through cultivation or hand pulling. Seed could have been introduced in the sheep manure. Cauliflowers have always proved to be more difficult to grow well than cabbages. They are responsive to a more alkaline medium and require an adequate supply of potassium especially those raised for winter use. Only the very best plants should be used and care should be taken to select varieties appropriate for the season e.g. any of the “Phenomenals” for sowing for autumn-winter use. Excessive

application of nitrogenous manures and fertilisers should be avoided. The incorporation of decomposed organic matter well in advance of planting is strongly advocated to prevent growth checks. Could you please. let me know when is the best time to prune a bottlebrush. I have a healthy looking specimen, but it has grown far too large. I.K. (Chch). Most Calllstemons. produce flowers on the end of their branches and respond well to annual pruning. The ideal time to prune is immediately after flowering. But with autumn flowering varieties, where hard frosts are likely, it is best to wait until spring.