THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8354, 6 September 1890, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

FLOWER GARDEN. Chrysanthemums : Where a number of varieties are cultivated, ib is most difficult to preserve the old stools or plants in a sufficiently healthy condition to enable the grower to take off suitable cuttings for striking, the present being about the best time to propagate. The warm sunny days with occasional showers have brought a host of slugs from their winter quarters. These, if left unmolested, will soon destroy all the foliage and even stump down the shoots to the surface of the ground. To preserve the plants throughout the winter, a good plan is to take them up after the liower stalks have properly ripened off, and replant close together in a bed where the soil is fairly dry. By this means they may bo kept without much risk of losing any of the sorts, and by a little attention to keeping down slugs, an abundance of suitable cuttings may now be obtained. Enthusiastic amateurs in tho cultivation of this favourite autumn flowering plant say that tho earlier the plants are put out, the better results will bo obtained. Granted that the early planting may be an advantage, which is very doubtful, in how many instances will the grower be able to preserve his young plants against the ravages of slugs? My advice to all planters is, do not be in too great a hurry to plant, bub strike your cuttings early and grow them on gradually in pots or in boxes, or in a bed prepared for the purpose, and transplant into their permanent places some time during the latter end of October, which is quite early enough, provided you have strong, healthy, well-rooted plants. From experience I am fully convinced that the best plants are obtained from cuttings from healthy shoots, and nob by division of the old roots, or from suckers. Another advantage is derived by planting out at the end of Octobor as above stated in that the ground may be better preparer), which is an important matter. By being turned tip rough the sun and atmosphere will have a beneficial effect upon it. Well manure the soil, and occasionally fork the surface over, and your bed will be in the best possible condition for the reception of tho plants, which should start away into vigorous growth shortly after boing planted. Many spring flowering bulbs now present a wealth of bloom. What a charming effect a bed of tulips in full bloom has ! Anemones, when planted in beds or masses, are almost as effective, and continue to bloom for a longer period. Ranunculus for the most part are this season not at all satisfactory. Those spring flowering tubers are most uncertain in their growth. Some seasons they grow and bloom with tho greatest ease, while at others they are a complete failure. I am pleased to note the advancement in the caltivation of the narcissus family. Some very beautiful varieties have been exhibited in tho seedsmen's windows ; and 1 hope next spring to find this old favourite an object of still greater attraction amongst our florists, and that they will vie with each other in tho production of more extended and varied collections. No class of plants are easier grown, as they require but little care and attention, and will adapt themselves to almost any soil. Care, of course, must bo taken to mark their whereabouts during their dormant season in order to prevent the bulbs being dug or hoed up in working the ground. Cyclamens: So much has been said about these most attractive and useful plants that it seems almost unnecessary to again mention them, but they cannot be passed over without special notice, as the plants are now a profusion of bloom. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. " W.G.," Northern Wairoa : Re grafting old orange trees with Lisbon lemons. This operation may easily be performed any time during this month. Head back the trees *o a suitable height, according to the shape -.f the plants. If the trees are large and forked with branches, they should be headed back to" within a few inches of the base of each branch. This will allow for a greater number of scions to bo put on and consequently a greater chawce of success. Select well-ripened wood of last year's growth for grafts. The best method I have found to

be what is termed wedge grafting— is, to make a split with a sharp knife, and insert a graft prepared for the purpose by being cleanly cut on either side in the form of a wedge, taking care not to loosen the bark in cutting. Insert the graft so that the bark of the scion and stick may meet evenly on the one side. Another graft may be put into the opposite side. This may be done on each branch. Tie each firmly and securely as soon as the grafts are inserted and place a good lump of well puddled clay around each to exclude the air. Place a shade if practicable over the grafts for a short time to prevent the sun drying the clay and causing it to crack. Re emulsion for dressing trees : The whole of the ingredients may be added together, but require to be well mixed before being used. "H.," Thames: The leaves of lemon were badly infested with scales. I have not noticed this scale before on the citrus family. It seems quite distinct from the large black scale often seen upon these pla'nts. Judging from the specimen leaf sent it must be very injurious to the trees. Now is the best tiino to take remedial measures. In the Garden column of August 9th I gave some recipes for destroying insect pests, but as you may not have seen them I give one which I feel sure will soon rid you of scale if properly applied : —Take '2 gallons of kerosene, common soap Alb, water 1 gallon ; dissolve the soap in the water and heat the solution, adding it boiling hot to the kerosene ; churn the mixture with a syringe for five to ten minutes, until it forms a cream. Dilute this emulsion to from ten to 12 times its bulk in water, and it can then bo applied to the trees. The caterpillar is the ordinary leaf roller ; the insect attacks a great variety of trees and shrubs. The same emulsion will be found most effectual for the destruction of this and many other pests that infect our gardens. CAMELLIA SHOW. Considerable interest has been taken in this, to be held to-day in the Newmarket Hall. The committee who have taken this show in hand are using their utmost endeavour to make it a success ; they have obtained a large amount of support, particularly in the Newmarket district, and Pi-e enthusiastic as to its success. At the close of the show the flowers and pot plants will be disposed of, the proceeds going to the show funds. Kefos.