THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11771, 28 September 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Of the many varieties of spring-flowering trees and shrubs that arc now in flower beautifying the garden and grounds the deciduous magnolias are most conspicuous objects. Azaleas, too, make a most pleasing 'display They are flowering more profusely than for years post. The plants benefited by the excessive moisture of last summer. They made healthy and vigorous growth, and kept free from thrips and red spider, which damage the foliage during very dry seasons. Azaleas are most satisfactory small-growing shrubs. They succeed well in the mixed border, and are most suitable subjects for planting near the edges of drives. They also do well in shady places. listerias deserve special notice. At tins season they present a wealth of pendant blossoms. There are two colours, lilac and pure white. Both should be grown on account of the contrast. They are of easy cultivation and exceedingly hardy. The absence of rain for some Weeks is causing the surface soil to become very hard and dry. A good soaking is again much needed, as several of the trees and shrubs that were planted during the winter are already beginning to suffer for want of moisture. The best plan to keep the soil moist is to lightly fork the surface and mulch with grass clippings, manure, or other suitable materials. Mulching draws the moisture up and prevents the soil from becoming hard and cracking. It also keeps down sorrel and other weeds. KITCHEN GARDEN. A good rain is now much needed to thoroughly soak the surface soil and give the various seedling crops a start. The long spell of dry weather for this time of the year has given every opportunity to thoroughly prepare the ground for sowing and planting. The rush of work should now be over and the various sowings and plantings provided for. The dry weather, too, has enabled the planter to save his crops from slugs. This in itself is a great consolation, as it is almost impossible to keep slugs in check during wet and showery weather, and no matter what care and precautions are taken slugs are sure to carry off some portion of the plants and seedlings. The sowing of pumpkins and vegetable marrows should now bo done. A few cucumbers may also be sown in warm, sheltered situations. Defer, as before advised, the sowing of rock, pie, and water melons until the middle of October, which is quite soon enough. The planting of tomatoes for the main crop may now bo made. Parsley and othoi herbs that are raised from seeds should now be sown, and plants of lemon and othet thyme, sage, etc., should be taken up, divided, and replanted. All seedling crops require frequent attention in the way of hoeing to loosen and break the surface crust and to destroy seedling weeds. THE OECHAED. The remarkably fine, mild weather experienced throughout the present month his afforded every opportunity for completing the necessary spring work of this department. Though it is somewhat_ early to judge of the fruit prospects it is seldom, indeed, that early-flowering fruit trees have presented a more healthy and promising appearance than at the present time. The absence, too, of the cold south-west winds that generally prevail when the trees are in blossom and that play such havoc with tho young, tender growth, as well as to destroy the blossoms, has so far been greatly in their favour. Peaches, nectarines, and all varieties of olums are laden with the utmost profusion of blossom. On every hand growers are delighted with the promising appearance of the trees. Many (of the Japanese plums are still a sheet of white blossom, while Burbank and a few of the earliest lands are further advanced, and axe rapidly shedding their blooms and setting their fruits, It is sincerely, to fee hoped

that tho mild, genial 'weather' will continue until tho more tender varieties at least have set, their fruit. Routine work in the orchard will now consist in keeping the soil around the trees free from weeds and frequently stirred. "Where mulching is applied this will not be necessary, but where no mulching is used a loose surface helps to check evaporation and retain more moisture at the roots. Now, too, is the best time to apply some stimulating manure to the trees. Stimulant given at this time helps to fully mature' the flowers, so that perfect fertilisation can, take place and better crops of fruit will result. With stone fruits, 3iieh as peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, and < thers an application of manure now, and another applied at the time the fruit is stoning, will have a beneficial effect, and will help them to not only set better but will enable them to carry heavier crops and to mature and perfect better fruits. Judgment, of course, is necessary in applying manure. Young, healthy, vigorous-growing trees do •ot require much manure, as they have sufficient vigour to develop their flowers and fruit without assistance. As it is almost impossible in large orchards . to apply stable manure to all the trees the following mixture will be found to contain good mnnurisl properties:—Bonedust, two parte; kainit, two parts; and wood ashes, twenty parts. Thoroughly mix together and lightly fork, into the soil at the rate of about half a ton to the acre. To keep the trees in a healthy, fruitful condition thorough cultivation of the soil is absolutely necessary. This system of cultivation and giving the trees an annual top dressing of manure are the prime agents in keeping the trees in healthy fruit-bearing condition. This is particularly applicable to peach, plum, and kindred fruits; in fact, it is almost, impossible to maintain healthy growth and fruitfulnes3 with these varieties without thorough cultivation. Apples, pears, and oilier hardy fruits may not require so much attention as stono fruits, but oven these produce better crops and much finer fruits when cultivated and well cared for. It should bo borne in mind that the more healthy, fully-developed, flowers can be produced the more certain are tho chances of a good crop of fruit. ANSWERS TO CO-RESPONDENTS. Curious (Kamo). —Specimen with flowers attached safely to hand. Tt is as you surmise, a variety of clianthus, the white flowered form of the beautiful scarlet kowhai (Clianthus puniceus). It is of recent origin, and still uncommon. Tho botanical name is Clianthus pnniceus albiflorus. I cannot say whether it comes true to character from plants raised from seeds, but may be propagated from cuttings which strike readily with bottom heat, or may be increased by layering. It is a much-prized and exceedingly beautiful flowering shrub. Kefos.