WORK IN THE GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 25619, 20 October 1945, Page 12

WORK IN THE GARDEN

There is a busy time ahead in gardens, for there are many things needing attention. In the flower section annuals which have been hardened off should be transplanted out into their flowering quarters. The site should be thoroughly worked over, so that the soil is friable and free, enabling the young roots quickly to take hold. Just before planting it is essential to give a dressing of fine decomposed material or to apply a good dusting of oyster shell (oceanic lime). This valuable material has a tendency not only to help the root action, but also to prevent many of the pests from destroying the young plants. From this time forward sowings of all hardy annuals may be made into sites prepared to receive the seed. Care should be exercised in preparing the soil. All clumps of clay, etc., should be removed so that little fine drills may be made to receive the seed. Many seeds, lam afraid, fail to germinate owing to the fact that they are not covered sufficiently with fine material, in which case they are often destroyed by birds or dried up by the prevailing winds. Fine seeds, such as Iceland poppies, etc., should bo covered lightly, but such seeds as calendulas, asters, and similar seeds, require more soil to cover them thoroughly. Do not use the spade to pat in the surface after sowing. Allow it to remain as it is, and after sowing, if the weather is dry or the surface of the soil has been dried up with ' the action of winds, it will be found beneficial if a good watering is given, but care must be taken that the small seeds are not washed out, especially if the hoe is used. THE PERENNIAL BORDER.

These borders will require attention at .this stage. Using the hoe between the clumps will not only destroy all weed seeds, but will also allow the air and the sun to penetrate into the roots. It will also preserve the moisture, which is most important for all these gross feeding plants. A dressing of well-decayed material would also be found helpful if applied at this stage. It will keep weeds down and will supply the necessary food required for these strong growing plants. The staking of all the tall growing varieties must be done, or there is a danger of the young tender growths being broken off by the wind. Many of the leaders also become unsightly, and do not grow straight when they are not fastened to a stake. THE GLASSHOUSE. Where there is a glasshouse available many cuttings of soft-wooded plants, such as fuchsias, may be inserted. These delightful plants are becoming very popular owing to the number of varieties which are now on the market. Not only has the habits of the plants been improved, but the colours are delightful. There is no need to grow the old varieties, such as Rose of Castile, Phenomenal, etc., as we have much finer varieties, with more compact habits and certainly finer flowers, and the colourings are ideal. If the' cuttings are inserted at this stage in a compost containing plenty of leaf mould, loams, and oyster shell, the young wood will quickly root, and then the plants can be grown on in pots, mid will give a good display this summer and autumn months. It is advisable to shade the cuttings for a few clays until there are signs of growth, when the plants can be brought up to the light and potted on as required. The cuttings of geraniums, pelargoniums, and other soft-wooded plants can also be inserted as soon as the cuttings are available, and treated in the same way as the fuchsias. The tubers of the begonias, gloxinias, and other glasshouse bulbs should now be boxed up, using an open material which should be kept slightly moist only until the growths appear. The tubers should then be potted on into the size pots which are suitable for them. Do not over-pot. It is better to shift them on in'easy stages as the plants develop. The sowing of seed of begonias can now be made in a cold glasshouse. Sow in a,pan, using an open compost which has been put through a line sieve. After sowing the seed should be watered in with a fine rose on the can, and then the pan should be placed in a shady position in the house and covered •with a piece of glass. This will keep the surface moist, and also help germination. No water should be applied until, the surface appears to be dry. After the seedlings appear the pan should be brought nearer to the light, but on no account must the direct rays of the sun reach them at any time. The cultivation of begonias is very easy, and anyone with a cold glasshouse can grow them, providing the plants have partial shade and a moist atmosphere throughout the growing period. Cyclamen seed may also be sown. These plants require the same treatment as the begonias, except they enjoy more shade and must bo kept growing and free from such pests as trips and red spider. Where plenty of moisture is available these pests will not trouble the plants. AMERICAN PERPETUAL FLOWERING CARNATIONS. Continue to insert cuttings of these delightful flowering plants. If inserted at this stage the plants are grown 011 in pots outside throughout the summer months, and then placed in a cold glasshouse in the autumn, and they will flower all through the winter months. There is no need to keep old plants growing, at any rate after they are two years old, as they become unsightly and sticky. The young wood if inserted at this stage will make large flowering plants by the autumn. DUNEDIN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Educational Classes.—The first meetinir of the season \ was held in the Y.M.C.A. on Tuesday, October 9. A largo number of enthusiasts were prespnt. The speakers were Mr J. Black and Mr P. S. Perrett. Mr Black spoke on the cultivation of the daffodil, and Mr Perrett spoke and illustrated the cultivation of tulips and hyacinths in Holland, England, and New Zealand. Many questions were asked and answered, and a hearty vote of thanks was given to both speaikers for their instructive addresses. On Thursday, November 1. at 7.30. a small show will be held in the same room of tulips, anemones, ranunculus, and ariculas.'and a short talk will be given on their'cultivation. All those interested are invited to attend.