THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9028, 5 November 1892, Page 12 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

At this season of the year vegetation is most luxuriant. The many trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants that clothe and adorn the landscape and beautify our gardens and grounds, now present a most refreshing and charming appearance, and are a treat to all who are fond of contemplating Nature in her best attire. In this mild and genial climate, where many tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants grow luxuriantly, plenty of scope is afforded when planting extensively to have a most varied selection. By this means, and judicious arrangement in planting, most interesting and splendid effects may be produced. Many trees and shrubs are now in blossom, and enliven the surrounding scenery with their bright flowers. General work in the flower garden at the present time will consist in filling up all vacancies in the beds and borders with suitable plants for the decoration of the garden during the summer season. Asters, zinnias, phloxes, larkspurs, marigolds, and indeed all kinds of annuals, may bo utilised for this purpose. Reserve places for dahlias, the mixed border being best adapted for these. Chrysanthemums intended for decorative purposes and cutting from should be interspersed here and there throughout the borders. Petunias, fuchsias, verbenas, salvias, pelargoniums, &c, may also be planted, to give as much variety as possible. The- warm, mild weather experienced during the week, and the late copious rainfall, have been most favourable for carrying on transplanting operations. Attend to thinning out annuals that have been sown outside as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle. Weed walks and keep the whole place neat and tidy. Lawns also require frequent attention 'to mowing and rolling. KITCHEN GARDEN. Favoured by the recent heavy rainfall and splendid weather throughout the spring, all crops in this department that have been properly planted and attended now present a healthy and flourishing appearance. There is still plenty to do in the way of sowing successional crops, and attending to the thinning out, hoeing, and earthing up of those that require it, also the staking of tall growing peas and runner beans. The sowing of melons, cucumbers, watermelons, etc., if not already done, should be completed as soon as possible. Full instructions as to the preparation of the ground were given in a previous issue. As slugs are very partial to melons, the seedlings should be carefully watched as soon as they appear above the surface, otherwise they will soon disappear. A ring of lime placed around the hills will keep slugs away when fresh, or a sprinkling of tobacco dust around the plants. Peas being the most esteemed of vegetables during their season, attention must be paid to successional sowings at regular intervals to have a continuous supply. French beans also require attention in this respect. Sow a few every fortnight. By this means a young crop is always available. Tomatoes should be examined, and any plants that have tailed replaced. Those that were planted early are now growing vigorously, and will soon require their growth regulated and to be staked. Still continue to bed out a few cabbages and cauliflowers for late use. Keep up a good supply of lettuce, and sow mustard and cress fortnightly. THE GREENHOUSE. The present month is always a very interesting time in this department. During this month plants grow very rapidly, and need special attention. Numbers of varieties that have been at rest throughout the winter are again pushing into vigorous growth, and seem imbued with fresh strength after their long rest. In fact, the whole of the occupants appear to have taken a now lease of life, and seem to vie with each other which shall produce the most brilliant tints of colour. Ac no other season of the year do plants present a more pleasing and interesting display than during the early summer months. The different varieties" of foliage plants are rapidly developing new foliage. Ferns, too, are growing very rapidly. These are an interesting study in themselves, the beautiful tints of colour as the young fronds develop and the graceful habits of most of this family of plants makes them invaluable for greenhouse decoration. The maiden-hair varieties are mosb generally admired, and are more extensively cultivated than any other on account of the fronds being better suited for bouquets and other decorations, but many of the other hardy varieties make beautiful decorative

plants, and when interspersed with flowering and foliage plants give a very pleasing effect. The potting of all specimen plants, if not already done, should be completed without delay. Coleus are making good growth and must be re-potted from time time as they advance in growth. These are beautiful summer decorative plants, and when well grown and nicely coloured are invaluable for enlivening the greenho Pelargoniums are amongst the most useful of early flowering plants, many of the regal varieties being very fine. These will require liberal treatment when in flowering. Liquid manure should be given two or three times a week. Abutilons is another useful class of plants for early flowering. These produce flowers in abundance, and are almost perpetual bloomers. The dwarf flowering varieties are admirably suited for pot culture. Fuchsias are showing well for bloom, and will need a plentiful supply of water. Manure water should be given frequently. Syringe the plants freely to keep down insects. Gloxinias are now making rapid growth. As soon as the phnts have made a fair amount of growth they should be shifted into their flowering pots. In potting be careful not to damage the foliage. This is very brittle, and soon broken if handled roughly. After potting, place the plants in a fairly close shady situation. Tuberous begonias are now starting into growth. If they have been started in the pots and soil in which they were stored away, they should now be shaken out and re-potted into fresh soil. These are without doubt the most useful of all summer flowering greenhouse plants. They are so easy cultivated that anyone having a greenhouse can grow them successfully. Attend well bo watering the plants should be looked over at least every morning, and if required during the day. Never allow the plants to wilt for the want of water. The house should be shaded during the hottest parts of the day, and plenty of ventilation given. Kkfos.