THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11843, 21 December 1901, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Bountiful rains have thoroughly soaked the soil and refreshed the many varieties of trees, shrubs, and other plants that occupy our gardens and grounds, as well as imparting a rich verdure to, the grass that is most charming and delightful to behold. • The whole of the members of the vegetable kingdom, in endless variety, from the tallestgrowing and noblest tree dowrj to the smallest and most diminutive of herbs, are all clothed in- holiday attire, and vie with each other in heralding the festive season we are now about to celebrate. Here, in our mild and genial climate, the chief enjoyments <of the Christmas season are to bo derived from outdoor pleasures and attractions. Suitable resorts where Nature can be appreciated to the fullest extent and free of cost aro wit hin the easy reach of all. The beautiful surroundings and unrivalled climate that wo enjoy cannot but gladden the hearts of 'all, both rich and poor alike. The beneficent God of Nature lias been most lavish in ; bestowing upon-us. His best gifts. Fruitt',earing trees are, laden with abundant crops in their various stages of growth and development; flowering plants everywhere abound; our kitchen gardens are replete with the choicest vegetables; tropical fruits' from adjacent islands may bo had in plentiful supply, and at little cost. The holiday season happily comes at a most opportuno time to enable the cultivator to suspend active operations and to enjoy two or bliree weeks' leisure, knowing that the plants that are growing in the open beds and borders can take care of themselves, and that no preparations are required for providing 'for a further display, as all sowing and planting operations should be completed by the middle of this month. The recent spoil of wet weather has produced a fresh crop of seedling weeds, and retarded the hoeing. But as the surface dries so rapidly at this season, when the days are long and the sun warm, the whole of the beds and borders can be hoed, weeded, and raked over in a very short space of time. Drives and the various walks should also be cleansed of weeds, raked, and swept. Grass verges must be clipped, and the lawn and other grass plots closely mown and well rolled. Neatness should be the order of the dayplants that require staking should be attended to, and dead and decaying floweus should be removed. By attending .to these matters of detail the garden . and grounds may bo placed in the best possible ordor and condition to derive the fullest enjoyment from the present healthy, ; fresh appearance of the plants and gorgeous display of bloom. Pot plants will, of course, need the usual daily attention in the way of watering, airing, and shading the houses.

THE GREENHOUSE. ./ t This department, too, should be lnndo a. neat and as tidy as possible for the holiday season. The whole of the pots, staging, and woodwork should be thoroughly cleaned, and all dead or decaying foliage removed, whil'J the plants should be tastefully Rearranged with the view of producing as pretty an effect as possible. ■ At the prosent time ther<e are abundance of flowors for making a good display, while many of tho most'"beautiful and useful foliage plant? and ferns are at their best, and give an effect that is scarcely obtainable nt any .other season. In fact, at no other time of the yen: are plants moije I i ■ } ' .1.-

I interesting to the grower. The beautiful ! tints of the various. foliage plants as they unfold and-develop their leaves well repay the growers for the patience and care bestowed. .Jo . flowering plants,. too, such favourite and useful varieties as the tuberous begonias, 'J gloxinias,- 1 and acliimene are again commencing to- flower freely. = For keeping up a display of flowers .throughout the summer and autumn months these are indispensable. The tuberous begonias are particularly adapted for greenhouse decoration, as they are hardy, of easy culture, and very free flowering plants. -When growing freely the plants require : abundance of moisture. In no . case should . the plants be allowed to wilt for the want of moisture. On this account plenty of drainage should be given when potting, or constant watering will soon cause the plant to become sickly. Gloxinias, too, are amongst the most beautiful af all flowering plants, but they require more careful cultivation than the begonia. To grow these plants successfully a fairly close, clamp atmosphere is indispensable, and this must be maintained throughout the growing period of the plants. When growing freely the plants are much benefited by an occasional watering with liquid manure. With careful treatment tTTey continue a long time in flower and make a. magnificent display. As the heat of the sun increases all plants will require an extra amount of care and attention in watering, shading, and attending to their.many requirements. The extra amount of ventilation required during hot weather necessitates more careful attention being given to watering, as the soil naturally dries more quickly when free ventilation is given. This, in some measure can be relieved by judicious shading during the hottest part of the dav. It is best accomplished by using blinds made of thick scrim or calico, and fixed to a roller, so that the shading can be rolled up or down at will. When arranged in this way the shading need only be used when required, thus giving the plants the full benefit of all the light they can. get during dull weather, and in the early morning and evening. In re-potting any plants during the summer plenty of drainage should be placed in the bottom of the pots, or the plants, from constant watering, are liable to suffer on "account of the soil-becoming sodden with too much moisture. Free drain?e-e and clean pots are essential to ensure healthy growth. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. " H.C.T." (Auckland). —Sample plums to hand. They belong to the Japanese section, the Ogon. Sunscald is the trouble. This variety is' very subject to scald. It affects the fruits that are unprotected by foliage and fully exposed to the direct rays of the morning sun. When well covered with leaves or in a shady situation wi»h a free circulation of air around the trees the plums will be quite sound. The scald is brought about by the sun striking the exposed skin when moist with dew, or after a sudden, shower followed by hot sun. It is not a disease of the ' skin as you surmise. Youitrees are probably growing on a sheltered bank with a northerly aspect. That gets the first rays of the morning sun. ' KEros.