THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9455, 10 March 1894, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

THE FLOWER GAUDEN. Mant varieties of bulbs thab have faesn left in the ground start into growth during the early part of this month, this being the best practical guide as to the best time for planting. The majority of bulbs may be lifted and stored away during their season of rest, but if nob re-planted at the proper time they are likely to wither and become exhausted. Many failures result) from keeping them out of the ground too long. The roots of some bulbs are always more or less in action, consequently they must not be taken up and kept too long. All varieties of bulbs are great favourites when in bloom. No garden is complete without a fair representation of the most popular. Although our climate is unfit to grow many of the early spring favourites of the old country, such as crocasses, snowdrops, and others that are seen to best advantage amongst frost and snow, we are more than compensated by the innumerable species requiring a milder climate that can be grown and thrive with the greatest ease and perfection. The following varieties are all suitable for present planting: The most important of all early-flowering bulbs is the narcissus or daffodil—all are pretty from the oldest to the rarest and most beautiful novelty. So much has been said and written about these universal favourites that it is needless to dilate further about them, unless to remind intending planters of the many varieties thab are now offered by the different vendors. The bulbs of the Spanish iris start early, and should be planted at once. They are easily grown, and the flowers are gorgeously beautiful in their combinations and blending of the shades of colour, lxias, sparaxis, babianaa, and tritomae are all exceedingly attractive and easily grown. They should be planted in clumps, placing the bulbs at a depth of about two inches, and the same distance apart. The ixia is a slender, graceful, growing plant. Sparaxis are of compact dwarf habit of growth, producing beautiful and richlycoloured flowers. Tritomas resemble the sparaxis in habit and growth, but the prevailing colours differ, and as they flower later they form an important succession. Babianas range in colour from blue to the richesb crimson magenta, and are set off by a dark green hairy foliage. The anemone or wind flowerfew flowers can compare with it for brilliancy of colour. Double and single flowered' varieties may be had in an endless variety of shades. They are equally suitable -to plant far beds, edgings, and masses. Any good garden noil will suit them. Plant the roots four to six inches apart, about two to three inches deep. Tulips are also extremely haidy and of easy culture. Double and single flowered varieties mixed together, planting the bulbs about five inches apart, grouped in flower beds qr borders, produce a gorgeous effect, with their brilliant and diversely - coloured flowers. The ranunculus are also extremely showy and very floriferous plants in beds. Draw drills two inches deep and five or six inches apart, sprinkle a little sand along the bottom of the drills, press the tubers firmly into the soil, keeping the crowns two inches under the surface; cover with nice soil. Hyacinths are the most* beautiful of all early spring flowering bulbs when well grown. Unfortunately they are seldom grown to perfection in this locality. Slugs invariably destroy the bloom spikes before they develop. By plantiug a selection of the preceding varieties now, and another batch in a fortnight or three weeks' time, a •accession of bloom may be kept up to cover a longer season.

JAPANESE PLUMS. . This race of plums, as stated iln last week's notes, has proved beyond doubt to be a valuable acquisition to our orchards, being hardy and thrifty growers and early and most prolific bearers. They are being more extensively planted than any other variety of plum, and bid fair to supersede the European varieties that come in at the same season. They are quite distinct from the European varieties both in growth and appearance. The leaves are larger and less liable to the attacks of leech and other diseases that are now so troublesome to the orchardist. The trees, too, commence to bear when, quite young, and unlike most other early fruiting trees make vigorous growth when carrying heavy crops. Like most other fruits, the varieties vary in size, quality, and time of ripening. As a guide to planters, I give a description of the kinds that have been grown and fruited successfully in- this province. Burbank: This is without doubt the best of all the Japanese plums, in fact the best plum of its season. It is a most vigorous grower and prolific bearer, the fruit being large and of handsome appearance. I have seen trees of this variety laden with fruit make seven

feet of growth in the season. The flesh is yellow and Tory juicy. .' The flavour is excellent and Bomewhat like the apricot, with small 'stone.. The fruit on -the outside is highly coloured, and ; fine in appearance. One of the best and moat profitable plums in cultivation. Ripe end .of January. Ogon : This variety has been sent out under the name cf Layr Yellow. It is a hardy vigorous growing variety, and an early and abundant bearer. The fruit is large, round, golden yellow like a large yeliow gage ; flesh yellow, firm, sweofc, and of good quality ; ripe middle of January. Botan: A fine hardy variety, and most prolific cropper; fruit is large, round, with pointed apex ; skin yellow ground, washed purplish carmine ; flesh yellow, very juicy, with apricot flavour; ripe from early to middle January. Botankio: The fruit of this variety is similar in appearance to Botan. The tree is a very vigorous grower and most prolific cropper, commencing to bear when quite young; skin is yellow, nearly covered with reddish purple ; , flesh deep orange, very firm, sugary and sub-acid near the skin. An excellent variety; ripens soon after Botan. Satsuma (or Blood Plum): This is a fine haray variety, producing fruit of large size and most distinct. The fruit is round, and of a dark purplish red colour ; flesh firm and of a dark red colour from skin to stone; , an excellent variety for canning or making jams or jellies. Kelsey : This is a most remarkable variety, bearing fruit of the largest size. When worked upon strong -stocks and grown in favourable situations fruit is produced in the greatest abundance and as large as peaches, often attaining nine inches in circumference; fruit is heart-shaped, colour greenish yellow, overspread with reddish purple; flesh very solid, yellow, rich, and juicy; ripens early in March. An excellent market variety when well grown. Kktos.