THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11346, 14 April 1900, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

ACTUM!? tints again denote tie season, and are conspicuous amongst thoso trees and plants whose leaves annually change colour, previous to dropping. Tho dry state of the soil at their roots has hastened the descent of the sap, and caused the foliage to mature earlier than is usual. Tin gorgeous leaf tints of some species and their varieties present a greater diversity and brilliance of colours than if the plants \icro a rich profusion of blossoms. The Vrginian creeper, Ampelopsis hederaoed, is ote of the most conspicuous of all plants in this respect. When allowed to ramble ovet rockerics,stoncwalls, and brickwork, as well as trained against the sides of wooden buildings and up verandah pillars, it must at tiis season attract the attention of the most casual observer. Ampelopsis muralis and Yerchii arc also remarkable for tho brilliance of their autumn leafage. Lagerstrcema indca is tho first amongst shrubs to tern colour; tho leaves assume the brightest yellow and crimson. The foliage of persimmons is tlso beginning to show colour; they, too, an remarkable for the many rich and beautifu tints tho leaves assume before dropping, contrasting with the yellow and red fruits, and rendering them most telling objects, and indispensable for planting towards the edge of ornamental plantations. Persimmons faro also valuable for their rich and luscious fruits, which are in season when other soft fruits are scarce. The different varieties of llius and sumachs are particularly beautiful ail interesting during the late autumn mont s, and noted for the brilliance of their folia*. Falling leaves again begin to litter the garden and grounds, and lend to give them an untidy appearance. The} should be raked off about twice a week. Do not burn the leaves, but deposit them on the rubbish heap, there to rot, and make leu mould, a-most useful compost for use in the garden, and for mixing with the pelting soil. Tho planting season is rapidly [approaching,. but nothing can be done in the way of removing trees and shrubs until the (well-needed rains •fall sufficiently lothoroughy saturate the soil. Consequently those alterations in the garden that necessitate the remotil of trees- to be transferred elsewhere, mnsl bo kept in abeyance, awaiting a favouraljo opportunity to do so. Newly-made lawk ami those that have been dug oven, must how receive attention. First, lightly fork over tho surface; break down rough lumps Ij- raking and rolling, thus bringing the efrfaco soil into a good state of pulverisatioj, with a perfectly level and even surface, preparatory to sowing tho grass seeds, whili should be done soon after sufficient rain life fallen to moisten the soil. Previous to sowing the grass seeds, apply a dressing of limn and boncditst, or other artificial manures, rjgulating the quantity according to tho fature of the sod. Owing to the difficulty ant expense in obtaining suitable turf frco frqn weeds, turfing is seldom, if ever, practice! here. Kecourso must, therefore, be had t< sowing grass feeds. Special preparations are nixed for lawn purposes. About 601b to tfc acre is about the quantity of seed require) for a lawn, sown evenly over the whole urfaco and lightly covered by raking. . I has already been pointed out that owing to tho excessively dry summer and autum, lawns that havo boon in grass have si tercel considerably, many of the finer Bassos being killed throughout. All suoh will equiro to be heavily top-dressed with good, lo my, clean soil, scattered ovonly over the su ace, and well raked in. Afterwards roll and l'sow. A good dressing of powdered lime shuld be incorporated in the soil used for the op-dressing.

THE 08CHABD. ' . -" • As stated in last week's notes upon treeplanting, numbers of trees are kept in chock by the Injudicious use of manures at the time of planting, and it is questionable if tho use of strong manures lias not brought more trees to an untimely end than any other cause. If the soil has been _ thoroughly worked, as recommended from time to time in these columns, i.e., thoroughly broken up, pulverised, manured, and a crop taken ott the ground, the soil will bo found quito sufficiently stimulating to start the trees into vigorous growth. It should be borne in mind that tho roots of all trees, no matter how carefully lifted, aro more or less mutilated in removal, and that the roots are not in a condition to absorb any of the material applied until.fresh roots have .been ■ made. After tho trees have takon root and become well established, which they will do by the spring if planted fairly early in tho season, a good heavy mulching of fresh manure placed around the trees will greatly assist their growth. The spring rains ; will convoy 10 the-roots sufficient stimulating material to strengthen root action, while the mulch on the surface will check evaporation, and retain the moisture during the summer. it more attention was given to the preparation of tho soil before starting to plan young tree* very few failures indeed would result. The situation best' suited for an orchard is one having a north or north-eastern aspect, as the west or south-west winds are the most destructive to fruitgrowing. The cod, blighting winds experienced from this quarter nearly every spring, when the trees are in full blossom, prove that shelter sufficient to break the wind is necessary to protect lie trees at this season. . Still, the shelter should not be of such a character as to exclude all sun and air. i Dome shelter bolts, composed of pines and mncrooarpa, in close proximity to the orchard, is by no means advisable, as trees so sheltered do not ripen their wood as.well as those more exposed. A judicious selection of suitable fruit-bearing trees can be made both useful and remunerative. 1 hero arc numbers of trees suitable for sheltering the orchard that would in time give handsome returns to the growers. Spanish and Japancso chestnuts, walnuts, quince, cherry plum, are each suited for this purpose. Hodges of the quince and cherry plum can be planted that would in a short time give all the she.tor required, as well as abundance of fruit. In visiting an orchard a few days a-r 0 I was astonished with tho heavy crop of fruit borne by tho quince trees forming the shelter for the orchard. These givo all the shelter necessary to protect .the trees from the cold blasts, yet expose tho trees during tho winter, when exposuro is beneficial.

AUCKLAND CIIHVSANTHEMUM SHOW. Thursday. Friday, and Saturday, tho 19th, 20th and 21st inst., are the days upon which the annual show is arranged to be held at the Choral Hall. Tho chrysanthemum is always tho most popular of our local exhibitions. Lovers of flowers look forward with pleasure and eager anticipation to this annual floral treat Chrysanthemums will bo tho leading feature, anil notwithstanding the exceptional drought experienced throughout the growing season, the plants Have made splendid growth, hardy and short-jointed and free from loaf diseases. A splendid show of blooms is expected. Dahlias are a now feature at our autumn shows, adding a charming diversity and brilliance of colours. The marvellous development of the cactus dahlia, and the rapid multiplication of new varieties of the most exquisite shape and unique appearance, has brought this section into universal favour. Exhibits of pot plants table decorations, bouquets, and other miscellaneous items are provided for. The amateur and professional exhibitors are classed separately. Clasps' are set apart for fruits and vegetables. And more pleasing still, prominence is given to enable children to compete, classes being set apart for thcpi. Favourable weather, toother with tho variety of the attractions, should make this one of the most successful exhibitions yet held. Kepos.