COTTAGE GARDENING

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 50, 27 February 1918, Page 11

COTTAGE GARDENING

This being a mid-season ; for' flowers— too late for the best of the roses, rather eavly for chrysanthemums and some other gems of the autumn—the display of cut blooms at lost night's meeting of the Wadestown Garden Society was smaller than usual, though quite up to the average in point of quality. Popular vote awarded first prize to Mr. A. Sirett for a. fine bowl of asters aoid other flowers, Mrs. Watkins coming second with a vase ot belladonna' lilies and hydrangeas... Ths meeting rescinded a resolution adopted last month making unclassified exhibits eligible to compete for the challenge cups, .as it was explained by the chairman (Mr. A. Parlane) that this could not legally be given effect to, being in conflict with the printed rules. In the absence of Mr. T. W. Kirk, who was prevented by indisposition from giving his promised lecture on "Diseases and Pests of the Vegetable Garden," Mr. W. H. Taylor, of the Horticultural Department, read a paper- on general work, in the garden. Like all experts, he, emphasised the need of deep tillage and drainage, so as to allow the roots of plants to draw moisture and protect them from changes of weather. Unr drained soil was cold to the roots and retained water, preventing necessary aeration. All soils needed lime, 'whichwas especially beneficial to clay land, as it tended to. break it up apd help access of air. 'The growth of sorrel was fostered by too much acid • in the soil, for which lime was a corrective.. The nature and effect of the different fertilisers used for promoting growth of vegetables were also explained. In answer to questions, Mr. Taylor said onions running to seed too quickly might be caused by the use of too much nitrate of soda, which was a very potent manure; but the ground might be too loose—it should be made firm . before planting. Hedges affected with 'thrip should be sprayed with! kerosene emulsion. Club root.,iri cabbages was caused by a fungoid growth; there was no cure for it. Lettuces ran to seed too quickly, through the ground being too dry or loose; they should be watered and assisted with a little nitrate of soda. Mr, Taylor was given a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting paper.