THE GARDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 21 July 1944, Page 3

THE GARDEN

Seasonal Notes for Amateurs EARLY SPRING CROPS It may have been the northerly warm rain or a suspicion of spring in the air that has made many plants show remarkable development If the ground is in a workable state the chance should be taken to set out cabbage and cauliflower seedlings and to make a sowing of lettuce and of carrots. Vacant spaces that will follow the use of leeks, cauliflower and cabage should be well dug and manured It should be possible now to make definite plans for spring work and when doing so the principles of crop rotation should not be forgotten. In sheltered localities early potatoes may be sown and early peas, broad beans, turnip, radish and onions may be set out where sunny conditions are available. Plant out shallots, rhubarb and chives. The early onions may be set out and any set out in the autumn should be hand weeded and well hoed. Make sure that stored vegetables are not being damaged by rats and mice. THE FLOWERS It is a little too early for the setting out of bedding plants in any other than a sunny well drained situation. The pruning of roses should be completed as should any other pruning that is required. Prepare positions for the main sowing of sweet peas and get on with the planting of all classes of ornamental shrubs. Manure any ground that is vacant to give it time to settle before plants are set out. Examine carnations to make sure that they have not been lifted by the frosts. When settifig out shrubs find out their growing habit and approximate size and avoid overcrowding. RED BERRIES ALL WINTER The winter effect of the holly in colder climates, with its masses of red berries and glossy green leaves is not so well known in this part of the world, but a favourable substitute can be found in skimmia japonica. This shrub is just beginning to colour now and will continue for the next two months to brighten up the garden with clusters of shiny red berries and dark glossy green leaves. It is necessary to have a male bush as the berries are borne only on the female types. The variegated forms are very effective as foliage trees, and are known as skimmia japonica variegata and s.j. argentea variegata which is a silver variegated form. Specimens can be seen at the top of the Church steps. OTHER WINTER DISPLAYS Jasminum nudiflorum is a very useful shrub for the rock garden or growing against a wall or covering a clay bank. It is a very hardy and a rapid grower, its yellow flowers are bourne on the leafless branches and are most prolific. It can be seen on the Church hill and a larger specimen is flowering in the Nelson bowling green grounds. Grevillea rosemarinifolia is a handsome little shrub which seems to flower continually. It is not very conspicuous but always neat and attractive. It may be seen on the Church Hill. Symphoricarpus racemosus is a small deciduous shrub of very easy culture and suitable for growing anywhere. The variegated forms are very attractive and its berries are of a rather uncommon colour, being rosy red. It can be seen opposite Girls’ College and on the Church Hill.