THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9491, 21 April 1894, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Thb magnificent display of blooms now on I exhibition at the Choral Hall is ample evidence of the high state of perfection that can be attained by the selection and special care of those varieties that are best adapted to grow for the production of show blooms. Favoured during the lasb few weeks by genial and calm weather, with a clear atmosphere, the blooms have developed naturally, and present a remarkable freshness in colour and appearance and fib condition for staging without any of the blemishes that were so noticeable in many of the flowers at the last autumn show. The incurved varieties are better than ever before exhibited, a gratifying result, as many growers were previously of the opinion that our climate was not adapted for the production of high standard blooms in thjs particular section ; the majority of blooms in the winning stands being of high solid' build and symmetrical appearance. The wonderful march of improvement during the past tew years necessitates an annual revision of varieties, discarding all that are at all inferior, as well as many of those that were previously considered indispensable. To bocoino a successful prize winner the grower must, be up to date, and provide himself with the best novelties and recent introductions. Intending planters for another year should carefully note the best blooms for their guidance in making up their selection. Many of the old favourites, such as Edwin Molyneux, Mr?. C. H. Wheeler, Etoile de Lyon, and others, have deteriorated and are no longer worth growing for exhibition. Throughout the stands a large number of the latest novelties are exhibited. Colonel W. B. Smith, a lovely old-gold yellow colour with a tinge of terracotta, stands out conspicuous as the best flower in the show. This is undoubtedly one of the best varieties amongst the many thousands now grown. The six blooms shown by Mr. Wells, of Cambridge, were quite a feature in themselves, and should have received firstaward instead of no prize at all. Harry May is another American variety, an incurved Japanese of fine form and suestance. Geo. W. Child's rich dark velvecy crimson is the richest coloured variety in cultivation ; the blooms, although nob of the largest size, were particularly attractive. Excelsior, an English-raised seedling, silvery mauve, of the largest size and best form ; six blooms of this were shown, that could not well be surpassed. Blooms of the iollowing splendid varieties were also exhibited :—Brydon junior, bright yellow ; Florence Davis, white, with long drooping florets; Golden Wedding, richest golden yellow ; George R. Gauze, terra-cotta, very full and double; Edith Walton, delicate pink hirsute; Mrs. Dr. H. A. Mandeville, terracotta yellow; Enfant des deux mondes, a pure white hairy variety ; Willian Falconer, beautiful rosy blush hirsute; and several others also Japanese. Two new incurved sorts were shown—Mabel Simpkins, a splendid pure white, a great addition to this class, and Baron Hirsch, orange cinnamon, inside petals crimsonbeing amongst the must recent importations. These two varieties have not had sufficient time to properly establish, but must be largely grown for another season, both being of established merit. Amongst the older varieties Viviand Morcel was the most conspicuous. This is the largest Japanese variety grown, always coming good, Yellow Lacroix, always good, was in its best form, and attracted much attention. . Glorie de Rocher, Mr. A. H. Neve, R. C. Kingston, Eynsford White, International, Domination, Miss Anna, Hartzhorn, William Tricker, were shown in their form; ana amongst incurved varieties Lord Alcester, Jeanne d'Arc, Queen of England, John Doughty, Lord Wolseley, Camilla Flammarion, Mabel Ward, Claudius Arthur, General Bainbrigge, Empress Eugene, Miss Robinson King, Mrs. Heale, were all in perfect form and shape. The committee have done well in varying the display by adding other flowers to the schedule, including the different sections of dahlias, and also making provision for the staging of pot plants in groups. Collections of foliage plants tastefully arranged greatly add to the other attractions of the show, being quite a feature in themselves. There is a magnificent display of fine foliage plants, including highly-coloured dracaenas, anthuriums, and orchids in blooms, dieffenbachias, coleus, crotons, palms in variety, choice ferns, and other rare plants. THE ORCHARD. A few weeks ago I gave a few practical hints to intending planters on the preparation of the soil for fruit trees, and the im-

portance of having everything in readiness , for planting as soon as the trees can be removed with safety. Early planted trees always succeed the best, as they become thoroughly established before the season of growth commences. Before Slanting, the whole of the ground should be carefully marked out, and pegs driven in where each tree is to stand.. The next thing is to determine the most suitable soil and situation for the different varieties of fruit to be planted. In most orchards there are situations more suited to one plant than another; the sheltered spots are best adapted for the peach, plum, and kindred fruits, while the more exposed is better suited to the apple, pear, quince, and other more hardy varieties. After determining the distances it is intended to plant (and this is a matter that requires careful consideration, now that the fruitgrower has so many pests to contend with, ample space should be allowed for cultivating and dressing the trees), the most simple plan for marking the places where each tree is to be planted is to take a line and tie a piece of tape at the distances apart required from tree to tree. Stretch the line where the first row is to be planted, placing a peg at each piece of tape ; then stretch the line at right angles to it. Define the other two sides in the same manner. The line can then be stretched from the boundary stake on one side to the corresponding stake on the other until all the holes are marked out. If it is intended to plant on the Quincunx system, every second row must be regulated accordingly. In any case, plenty of room should be allowed foi, and uniformity of outline carefully observed. As soon as the marking out is completed, good, large holes should be dug. By making the preparation, the trees are more quickly planted when received from the nursery, and the soil is in a better condition for their reception. In planting, the trees should be placed in the ground the same depth as they had previouly been grown, but deep planting should always be avoided. The situation best suited for an orchard is one having a north or eastern aspect, but the west or south-west winds are the most damaging to fruitgrowing. The cold, blighting winds experienced from this quarter nearly every spring, when the trees are in blossom, proves that good shelter is indispensable to successful fruit culture. A judicious selection of suitable trees for this purpose can be made both useful and remunerative. 1 have frequently recommended orchardists to plant suitable fruitbearing trees instead of the Pin us insignis or macrocarpa. There are numbers of fruit trees admirably suited for shelter, namely, Spanish and Japan chestnuts, walnuts, quince, mulberry, South American plums,and other hardy fruit-bearing trees. All these, although deciduous during the winter, will give plenty of shelter at the time it is needed, and would, in time, prove as remunerative as any other orchard trees. Kkpos.