SGARDEN NOTES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 12, 9 October 1920, Page 12

SGARDEN NOTES

_<>_ „ — (By "Kowhai.") HOSES. Rose growers are feelincr very hopeful oo far, for their bushes are well forward, many vnrietiog beinp already in bud. I have noticed several flowers on that beautiful pink climbing rose-Souvenir do Loone Telnjiot. This is a roue that should ba In every garden, for a well-established bush flowers continuously for about seven months of the year. Where- climbing roses are to bo itrown, it is always as well to know thoir flowerlne; season, for shy bloomers are not suitable for small cardens. In spite of the many sudden ohangOß from hot to cold weather I have not noticed much mildew, but Bhould it make its appearand the foliaco of those plants affected should at onco be dußted with flowers of sulnhur. if possible early in the morning while it is still wet with dew. It is most important to keen a check on mildew at its first annearance. For one thine it cripples thd leaves, and without a plentiful sunnly of healthy leaves tho plants cannot make eood nrosrreis. Another important jeason is that If mildew, in not severely dealt with in tho spring, a- severe autumn attack is sure to be the result. Greenfly (Aphides) is already prevalent. Syringing tho bushes with soapsuds soon cleanses them of {His pest, especially if a suigestion'Of kerosene is added to each pall of Boanr water. Aphides live by sucking the juices of the tender stcmß, and if not checked promptly soon impoverish the growths. Their alarmingly quick increase is another reason for their prompt destruction. Those bushes that were attacked by leaf blotch last season must be very carefully watched. The disease may be recognised by the purplish blotches -whioh form on tha upper sides of the leaves. If not checked it spreads quickly, and the leaves fall early in the season. Sm-ayinir with permanganate of potash is recommended for leaf blotch. Where there was any trace of it last season I should take the precaution of thoroughly washing the foliage once or twice durlnc the next few weeks, ÜBing the permanganate at the rato of loj. to one gallon of water. Wall-established rose bushns are now ready for a stimulant. Work in a little bonedust about each bush, using it at tho rate of 40t.,t0 tho square yard, and, wh«re it is obtainable, fork in lightly a little thoroughly rotted manure. Where manure is not to be had. s-uano may ho usod. This Is obtainable from almost any seed shop. Use it at the rate of loz, to the saimre yard. , A stimulant elven Jiißt now will often prevent rose lushes having their flrtst crop of flowers spoilt by blind buds. Newly-planted rose bUßher, do not need a stimulant; and Bhould not be allowed to bear too many flowers at first. Examine the-stakes of rose bushes, to see if they are secure. In most districts in New'Zoaland a firm atnko is necessary for each tree, for unless. tho trees are secured to *takea strong winds soon blow them about, loosening the lootß, and very often breaking off tho feeding parts of the roots-the tins. Nail long growtliß of climbing/ roses into place, and ' cut out any wood that Is not needed. Banksla rotes are already in bloom, and their sweet scent is very welcome in the garden, i VIOLETS. ■ One has only to look at the violet borders with their muaas of > strong green leaves to'realise that the roots are very busy. The long flowering season is a severe drain on the strength of the plants, for thev produce their flowers without stint, at a time, too, when root-activity is, not great. Once the flowering season is ever, howover, auickly send up a tremendous number bT'leaves, and tho roots greedily absorb from the soil as much raw food as they can. This they pass up to.the leaves, where, by the aid. of the_»un. it is converted into mature food. As it is matured it passes back again to tho roots, helping ihem to grow and multiply and to become so strone that they will be ready for the strain of the next flowering season. For several weeks then the leaveß should be leit to carry on their important work, bu.t not too long, for once the plants are restored to their necessary vigour the masses of leaves are no longer necessary, but b'ecomo instead an 'encumbrance, for ihe roots have to keep .on working to support them. Then towards the end of October tho gardener comes along with hia reaphook, and cuts off the leaves close to the wound. How relieved the plants must be! Now the warm air can penetrate to their Toots, and ripen their stems, and, for a time at least, the roots enjoy a .rest ,

As soon as the nlants are cut back; they should be snrayed with llme-subhur. The soil about their.roots should be loosened, and a dreasini of bonedust worked ih. Durinic the summer months the plants should be kept vroll watered and clean, for red solder is one of their worst enemies, and can only be kent away by constant syrincinc with clean water. I Plnnta that are well looked after nil the summer are so vlfcoroUß and strone;, and so supplied with a store of necessary food, that they are only waitino' for the coot rains of late autumn to penetrate to their roots before burstlne into bloom. If runners and cuttings have not already been taken' and rooted, Becure all the strong youne erowth possible, before cuttinet back the nlants. The old woody nieces aro not suitable for maklne new plants. ROUTINE WORK. Hardy Annuals.-ficeds of hardy annuals tiny be sown In the open eround at any time now. If nossible choose e. snot that is partly shaded by trees, but where the seed bed-geta-the full force of tho sun tt must be shaded with brush until the seedlings are un. /Mix plenty of sand with tho soil In the Beed bed, and make the bed firm. "Do not cover the seeds too deeply, and sow them thin. Remember that annuftlß like rich, well-prepared soil to Brow In. . ABters, cosmos, Ealvia. African marigolds, ilnnlas, nemeaia, Ealoiftlossis, phloi drummondll, larkspur, achizanthns, sunflowers, sweet sultan, nicotiana, mignonette,' and many other beautiful annuals may be sown now for flowering late In the summer and in tho autumn. > tiily of the 7alley—There has not been need for watorintr this season, but should there be few hot. dry davß the nlants will need thla attention. Weak liquid manure should be'given at. regular intervals to keen up tho- quality of the lovely little flowers. Prceslas—Preesias that are still flowering in the ttarden should be trcaied in the s&mo way as lily of tho vaiiey. Soot water is a eood liquid manuro to use for both plants. Thoße in pots that have nnished flowering must not be ne"lected. Continue supplying water tp the bulbs, hut In ever smaller quantities, till the foliage dies down. The pots may then be stored away in a dry place with the bulbs still in them, or the bulbs may ba lilted and stored away In paper bacs. Sparaiis is making a brilliant display at present. Tho bulbs must not be allowed to EUffer from want of moisture at any time during the flowerinc: season. Remove all faded flowers to allow the succeeding flowers to develop and be as fine as tho first lot. Sparaiis, does splendidly in sand gardenß it a good layer of well-decayed vegetation is placed a few inches below the bulba. Tulips are now claiming our attention. Stake and tie In the flower stalks -where necessary. Give tho plants weak doses of aoot water once a week. Keep anemones well supplied with water. Priok a little superphosphate into the Boil about the plants, and water it in. The. buds come crowding up so fast.that the. flowers need constant pioklng to give those coming on a chance to be big and long-stemmed. Any dead leaves should lie at once removed. Turn ovor rubbish heaps at intervals, and sprinkle lime over them to prevent any smell coming from them. Keep Btorine weeds, dead flowers, crass cllppinga, and- rotting them down to pro. vide material for mulching. VEGETABLES. Sow seeds of broccoli now to have plants ready for putting out about the middle or January. Thin out' parßnips, onions, beet, turnipß, and carrots as Boon aa the seedlings are bis: enoueh to hondlo. The thinnings' of the oniona may be transplanted into another btd. The soil should have plenty of soot worked into it previously. Beforo transplanting the. onions make the Roll very firm by trampling oyer it. Out tho roots of the onions when, transplanting, leaving a fringe of root about an iocs long. When planting cover the Crings very firmly with soil, but do not cover the tiny bulb. Onions need to be well duatefl with soot, and to bo watered frequently with soot water. Plant out cabbages on rich, firm grannd as soon as the nlants are reaay. It Is a> well to got cabbages for summer use planted out aB early in «prlne on nossible. They then make vigorous ptowMi. and are more likely to resist blight than those planted out lato. Keep cabbageß and cauliflowers well Bynnged with clear wator, and growing vleorrusly all th 6 time. Conitant Btirrlne or tho toil helps the crops to grow: therefore hoo frequently,

Garden Notes next week will contain Beasonable notea about:—Polyanthus primroses, routine work, and vegetables.