THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9711, 5 January 1895, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

The excessively dry weather, accompanied by strong winds and hob dewless nights, experienced throughout the holidays greatly detracted from the appearance of the garden. Flowers of all kinds have been unusually scarce, and the plants have suffered considerably for want of moisture, comparatively few of our gardens are furnished with the necessary plant and conveniences for the distribution of water supply sufficient to meet all requirements. Besides, artificial waterings entail much extra labour and expense, and are at the best a poor substitute for the natural supply. As an evidence of this, I need only draw your attention to the magical effect the recent heavy showers have had upon plant life, imparting an immediate change in appearance. Those that were parched and flagging for want of moisture soon assumed a fresh, a healthy, and flourishing look. Dry periods such as we have just had thoroughly sweeten the land, particularly whan it has been deeply dug in the early part of the spring, and kept loose and in a good state of cultivation by an occasional forking to break any lumps and better allow the action of the atmosphere to act upon it. When treated thus, and not deluged with artificial waterings, the soil derives the full benefit of a good rain, and the plants make a more natural and hardy growth and have p. more lasting character. Now that the holidays are over work in the garden must again be resumed. Weeds have given little trouble of late, as the soil has been too dry for the seed to germinate. However, recent rains have wetted the surface soil, and will soon bring up a fresh crop, consequently the garden should be hoed over sometime during the next few days. Routine work will nov consist 111 keeping everything as neat an 4 tidy as possible. Chrysanthemums will require constant care and attention. Remove all superfluous growths, and tie the plants up to their supports as they advance in growth. Many have already started to mt»ke what is termed the first break. The "first break" is caused by the formation of a flower bud in the young growing stem, which checks the upward flow of sap, and causes fresh shoots to start from the axils of the leaves immediately below the abovementioned bud. Select three of the branches thus formed to grow on for producing the exhibition flowers, and remove all the others. Caterpillars will shortly be making their ' appearance upon the leaves and young j shoots. A good look-out must. be kept, otherwise irreparable damage is soon done. The leaves, too, will be liable to She attack of fungus. A timely dressing with the lime and sulphur mixture to arrest its progress is desirable. Dahlias will now require attention to staking and tying up the plants, at the same time thinning out some of the shoots that are too crowded.

KITCHEN GARDEN. Now is the time to plant a few trenches with celery plants for the main crop. Prepare good wide, deep trenches by throwing out the soil to the depth of about a spade, then fork up the subsoil, incorporating with ib a good dressing of well-rotted stable manure. Should the weather be dry, thoroughly soak the trenches with water previously to dibbling in the plants. Arrange the plants in a single row along the centre of each trench, placing them from eight to twelve inches apart?.'"*, THE VINERY. The long spell of dry weather experienced throughout this season has again proved how important it is to have an abundant supply of water at hand bo as to keep the borders well supplied with moisture, and the vines in a healthy, flourishing condition. I have frequently drawn attention to the importance of securing a good supply of water when starting to grow vines—in fact, it is next to impossible in seasons such as the present to produce large, well-finished grapes, withoub "keeping the borders well supplied with moisture. Ib is almost impossible to over - water a - wellmade and well-drained border. Grapes, too, thati are not watered are frequently destroyed as soon as rain comes,

the extra rush of sap coming after a season of drought causing the berries to split open. The warm : weather* has had the effect of hastening on the colouring of most of the later started grapes; eren the very latest are colouring rapidly. At this sfeige of their growth the berries swell very rapidly, and frequently require a little thinning to relieve the berries from binding and injuring each other. Plenty of ventilation should be gived," opening the house early in the morning during hot days. One rule should be, never ventilate with the view of reducing the temperature, but open early, and endeavour to prevent the temperature from rising too high. The safest plan, particularly at this stage of their growth, is to leave a little ventilation on during the night. This greatly aids in putting on colour and preventing an excess of moisture accumulating. Sudden changes of temperature should in all cases be avoided as shanking of the berries is frequently caused by neglect in this matter, particularly during very hob weather. Shorten back all superSous growths from time ; to time as they grow, but keep an attendance of good healthy foliage to shelter the bunches from the direct rays of the sun.;,. One of the main things to ensure good and well-finished grapes is to have a good supply. of ■wellgrown healthy foliage. That terrible pest, mealy bug, will now be most troublesome, and now that the grapes hare arrived at that stage when syringing will have to be discontinued, they will increase rapidly unless frequenely looked over and destroyed. A little methylated spirits applied with a brush will effectually destroy any that it touches. As a preventive from mildew a little sulphur should be strewn through the house, although if reasonable care has been taken there should be no appearance of mildew in a season such as we have had. Mildew is often caused by the roots getting into deep, cold, uncongenial soils. When in this condition it is almost impossible to keep it under until' the borders are examined, and all rank, straggling roots shortened back. Kbpos.