THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Plentiful rains continue to keep the soil cool and moist, and to enable transplanting operations to be carried on most successfully. Chrysanthemums, the many varieties of annuals anu other recently-planted stock have had every chance to become thoroughly established, and to make a good start into growth; the atmosphere during the week has been much warmer than previously, with occasional cloudy days and gentle warm rains, most favourable to the growth of all plants, as well as for the production of an abundant crop of seedling weeds, that will need to be hoed up before they make too much headway. The planting of dahlias should be undertaken during the last week in this month, or first of next. The popularity of the cactus dahlia demands the planting of a considerable number. Pompon dahlias are also exceedingly pretty and useful. They are compact in their habit of growth, and most floriferous. Every vacancy in the flower beds and borders should be filled before the middle of December. Annuals are the best to fill in with. Were it not for annuals, the garden would not bo nearly so interesting and attractive, as they produce such a brilliant and effective display, and are a complete change when compared to the perennial plants. For masses of bloom and striking contrasts, annuals are unsurpassed. What can bo more beautiful than a bed of Phlox Drummondii. or present a greater diversity of colouring? Calliopsis has a light, graceful appearance, quite different to other annuals. African and French marigolds, miniature sunflowers, celosias, larkspurs, zinnias, all produce the utmost profusion of bloom for several months in succession. Ornamental grasses should receive greater attention, and be more generally planted. When intermixed here and there in clumps amongst the other plants, they produce a pretty effect, and everyone knows how valuable grasses are for cutting and mixing with bouquets and other floral arrangements. Sweet peas are now to be seen at their best. There are a great number of varieties and diversity of colours in the flowers; the perfume, too, _is delirious. The dwarf-growing variety, Cupid, is a splendid plant for bedding. • The climbing varieties must be staked or grown where they can climb over other plants. To give colouring and diversity of foliage some of the amaranthus family should be grown, particularly those sorts that are remarkable for rich and elegant foliage; when arranged at suitable intervals amongst the other plants they produce a marked and pleasing contrast. A few of the variegated maize are also pretty, with their striped ribbon-like leaves. Portulaccas, particularly the doubleflowered sorts, are exceedingly handsome for the edges of beds or borders, and are splendid dry-weather plants; the hotter the weather the better they succeed. Petunias must also have a place, as there are no butter plants for the hot summer months, during which they bloom continuously. Verbenas are exceedingly showy and pretty,,

KITCHEN* GABDIIN. Vegetables of all kinds, with the exception of kidney beans, ■ are now most abundant. The' failure of all first sowings of kidney beans is due to cold, wet, unseasonable, and changeable weather hitherto existing. Tomato plants are now commencing to grow well, and will require attention to staking. Late potato crops do not succeed well in our climate, consequently the growing of kumems should hare greater attention, as come in late, and are a pleasant change from potatoes. They are easy to grow, but must not be-planted in very rich soil, as they then grow too much to top, and tuber badly. Scarlet runner beans make splendid break-winds and screens to shut out tinsightly objects, and should be planted for the purpose. They produce an exceedingly pretty effect when in full flower. All varieties of melons should receive attention, par- | ticularly in preventing slugs, which are still numerous, from eating t'no seedlings off. THE ORCHARD. Seldom, indeed, have fruitgrowers had to contend with mere unfavourable weather for all classes of fruit trees and plants than during the present season. The high winds, gales, and piercing cold blasts that have prevailed almost without intermission from early spring up to the present have played sad havoc with the more tender subjects of the orchard, while even the most hardy trees have not escaped the blighting effect of the winds. Even the smaller plants, such as strawberries and bush fruits, have suffered a severe check, while in most cases the crops are light. Bad although the weather this season has been, exceptionally severe, cold, high winds usually prevail about the time many varieties of fruit trees are in blossom, particularly those of the peach and plum. It is evident that to bo successful in the culture of these fruits thorough shelter is indispensable. The trees, too, should be trained with, low heads, ns they are more easily protected and less liable to injury by the winds. But in addition to the advantage of shelter in low-trained trees, the pruning, dressing, and picking of the fruits can be done with greater despatch, whilo insect pests can be moro easily kept in check. Fortunately, the weather has had the effect of staying the attacks of many pests thafc are usually active at this time. So far, no leech has made its appearance, while tho codlin moth could scarcely exist in such weather as we have lately experienced; but a favourable change in the weather will no doubt start these pests into action, so that it is advisable to be in readiness to take remedial measures as soon as they make their appearance. Although tho more hardy fruits, such as apples, pears, and quinces, have not suffered so severely as the, peaches and plums, they are far short of expectations, considering the splendid show of blossom, particularly the pears. These, though covered with flowers early in the season, are, with few exceptions, a scanty crop. Apples are much later than usual in setting their fruit, and may yet produce a good yield. Tho present season would be a good one to test the remedial measures recommended for the destruction of moth and other posts. The shortage in the crops will naturally make sound fru'ts of special value, while the labour involved would bo less than when the trees ore laden with fruits. HORTrCTJLTTJBAX EXHIBITION. The annual summer show of the above society opened yesterday in the Choral Hall, and, judging from the number of entries made, should prove an unqualified success. As showing the keen interest taken in the competition for Lady Ranfurly's prize for the best-kept gardens, no fewer than 60 to 70 entries were made. It must be apparent to all lovers of horticulture that the society is doing a good work in encouraging a love. for such healthy and interesting work amongst the young, besides helping to beautify the homes of so many of our citizens. The competition, too, in plants, cut flowers, bouquets, floral baskets, etc., is keenly contested by the children. Tho exhibits in the various classes for gardeners and amateurs are numerous and of high merit, in all no fewer than 1200 entries having been made. The show will be open again to-day, and it is sincerely to be hoped that the public will give the society every encouragement by their attendance. Kepos.