THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10079, 14 March 1896, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

THI! FLOWER GARDES. Recent rains have started tho earliest] of the autumn-flowering bulbs into bloom, chief amongst them being Amaryllis belladonna, of which there ara two forma: one with pink flowers, and a rare variety with pure whito at first opening, fading with age to delicate pink. They are very hardy, and of the oasiest culture, and succeed equally well when planted on grassy slopes, fully exposed to the sun, or in shady situations, or arranged here and there amongst the shrubs skirting the mixed border. They soon increase, and in a few years after planting form into large clumps, every bulb producing one or more flower stalks, which are thrown up previous to the leaves appearing, and present a gorgeous display at this season, and lasting in bloom for a considerable period. Brunsvigias belong to the same genera, but have larger flowers and come in later, Valloka purpurea (the Scarborough lily) is another handsome flowering species, with showy, bright orange-red blooms, now in full perfection. Zephyranthes Candida, commonly known here as the white autumn-flowering crocus, is also remarkable for its utmost profusion of snow-white crocus-like blossoms. When arranged in large clumps or in broad rows as a border the effect is most imposing. This variety is of the easiest cultivation, and does nob require to be taken up annually, bub thrives bosfc when allowed to remain, after once planted. Many varieties of bulbs that hare been left in the ground are already making a fresh start. This is the best practical guide one can have as to the propor season to commence planting. The majority of bulb's may be lifted and stored away during their season of rest, but if neglected and not replanted at the proper time they are likely to wither and become exhausted. Failures often result from keeping them out of the soil too long. The roots of some bulbs are always more or less in action, consequently they mnsb nob be kept too long in a dry state. All varieties of bulbs are great favourites when in bloom. No garden is complete without a fair representation of the most popular. Our Auckland climate is unfit to successfully grow some of the early spring-flowering favourites of the old country, such ait crocusses, snowdrops, chionodoxa, and others that are seen to best advantage amongst: frost and snow. We are mors than compensated by being able to grow the innumerable species that require a milder climate. The following varieties are all suitable for prosent planting The narcissi, being the most important of all early-flowering bulbs, are all pretty, from the oldest and commonest to the rarest and bout novelty. So much has been written and said about these universal favourites that it is needless to dilate further about them, except toremind intending planters that now is the season to begin planting Spanish irises j bulbs of these start early and should be gob in ab once ; they are easily grown, and the flowers are gorgeously beautiful in tho combinations and blending, of the shades of colour. Ixias, babianas, sparaxis, and tritomaa are all exceedingly attractive and easily grown. They should be planted in clumps, p\jioing the bulbs aboub two inches doep and the same distance apart, Theixia is a slender and graceful growing species. Sparaxis are of dwarf habit, producing very richly coloured flowers. Tritomas form an importanb succession, as they flower later. Babianas in colour from blue to tho richest crimson-magenta, and are sot off with dark green hairy foliage. For rare brilliancy of colours few flowors can compare with the anomone or windflowers. Double and single flowered varieties may be had in almost endless variety, They are best adapted for planting in beds or in clumps to form a mass. Plant the tubers from four to six inches apart find from two to three inches deep. Ranuncuius ara also extremely showy and very floriferous, but are a little more difficult bo cultivate than the preceding. Before planting remove the soil to a depth of two inches, then sprinkle a little sand on ; next) press the tubers firmly into the soil, 'ansDg|flg them-oboßt (our inches-apart ;

re cover with nice soil. In selecting a spot for anemones and ranunculus care should be taken that the soil is free from the small white insect that proves so injurious to the tubers. TUB ORCHARD. The prolonged dry weathor Is now doing serious injury to the late fruit crops. Apples, pears, quinces, figs, and other late fruits are being checkod in their growth through the parched condition of the soil, causing the fruits to ripen prematurely, and the trees in some cases to shed their fruits. Especially is this the case where no attention has been paid to the cultivation of the soil. I" seasons such as we have just experienced, the value of thoroughly cultivating die soil around the trees is apparent, as it is almost impossible to produce well-grown and ripened fruits if this is not done. Even in more favourable seasons thorough cultivation is necessary, as most fruit trees have a tendency to produce heavy crops, and require all the assistance that can be given them. Mr. S. 1). Williard, in describing the successful plum tree in the Rural New Yorker, says:— "The tree is one of moderate growth in the nursery, in a soil that lias not been over-stimulated for its production, has been planted with care, cultivated and grown intelligently by a man of sufficient liberality to bestow upon it the same liberal treatment that would be given to a thoroughbred animal. That is protected, cared for, and fed with consideration up to such time as a bounteous crop has matured ready tor harvesting. This should be picked and handled carefully in baskets provided especially for the purpose, and in them transferred to the packing-shed, where it should be assorted and graded carefully as regards size and quality, all being so nicely done that the producer would be proud to have his name appear upon the package to whatever market It might bo shipped. The product thus handled finding its way into an honest city commission man will furnish convincing proof of the fact that these are successful plum trees." In the cultivation of all orchard fruits the requirements of the trees must be studied, and attention paid to the cultivation of the soil. In combating the various insect pest 3, too, the labour is considerably lessened if the soil is kept worked and free from weeds that would otherwise form harbours for them. In orchards where this work has not been done the present will be found a roost suitable time for forking up and loosening the soil around the trees that hare been stripped of their fruit. After the soil has become sweetened by the action of the weather, a good dressing of manure placed around the trees and lightly forked in will have a beneficial effect upon trees that have been carrying heavy crops of fruit, and also upon trees that have become stunted in growth and are unfruitful. Any trees that have been budded will require looking over and the ties loosened, and as soon as the buds ate firmly attached to the stock the ties can be removed altogether. Kepos.