THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12266, 9 May 1903, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

At this season of the year it is almost impossible to keep the garden and grounds neat j and tidy. Deciduous trees and shrubs are fast shedding their leaves, and every gust of wind and shower of rain brings down a fresh batch to add to the general litter. This will continue for some time, until the whole of the deciduous subjects have cast their foliage and assumed their winter garb. The fallen leaves should be collected at least twice a week, and deposited in some suitable place, there to decay and form what is known as leafmould, which is an almost indispensable material in connection with a garden, and one of the most important ingredients in the composition of the soil used in tho successful cultivation of many pot plants, and also valuable for working into the soil around ericas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and such-like plants to encourage healthy root action, and to supply and nourish them with the material best adapted to their natural requirements. The quality of loafmould much depends upon the sort of leaves composing it. Oak and beech leaves are of a harder texture, and better than leaves of a softer and more watery substance. But all varieties, with the exception of the pine family, when incorporated together, make a good compost when mixed with weeds, grass clippings, and other suitable debris, and occasionally turned and allowed to remain long enough to become thoroughly decomposed and ready for use. In gathering the leaves care must be taken to keep them free from sticks, branches, or pieces of wood, as these arc liable to encourage fungoid growths, whioh would render the compost useless. By collecting the fallen leaves throughout the season a regular supply of leafmould will always be available for use whenever it may be required. Now that the late autumn and early winter seasons are upon us the many varieties of deciduous trees and shrubs claim attention with the ever-varying tints of their mature and ripening foliage, rendering them conspicuous objects, and a striking contrast to the surrounding evergreens. Hitherto the planting of suitable deciduous trees has been much neglected. The landscape around our city and suburbs would be much more picturesque than it really is had proper attention been paid to this matter in the past, whereas at present wherever viewed • dark, sombiu-loolcing rows and clumps of pines everywhere meet the eye, there not being sufficient other varieties to break or relieve the monotony. Had the planting of native trees and other suitable evergreens, with a diversity of foliage, received propei attention in previous years, instead of so many conifers there would not be so much need to urge upon my readers the more general planting 'of deciduous subjects; and, as the aim of our planters should be to preserve, as far as possible, the natural flora of the country, it would be a decided j mistake to allow deciduous trees to predominate, when we consider that Nature has only allotted three deciduous species to the land, and those only partially so. However, this if- one of the instances where art steps in to aid Nature, therefore by the judicious selection and distribution of the most distinct varieties of deciduous trees, and those that are best adapted to the requirements of our climate, the beauty of the landscape may be greatly enhanced, particularly during the autumn, with their ever-varying hues and tints of foliage. For the guidance of intending planters I shall at an early date enumerate a list of some of the best of those varieties that succeed and thrive well here, and that are most remarkable for their richly-coloured foliage.

TJTB VIJTERT. Vine;* upon which grapes are still hanging, will now require very careful management. To keen grapes hanging late m the season, unless the house is furnished with the means of maintaining a fairly dry atmosphere, is ono of the most difficult tasks that growers of late grapes can attempt. Excess of moisture and low temperature at this season are almost certain to cause decay in the berries, and it is almost useless to keep the fruit upon the vines unless the means are at hand to maintain condition that will prevent decay and loss of fruit. -One of the most important things if late grapes are required is to have the fruit thoroughly coloured and ripened before the cold waethcr seta in Few houses are constructed with the view of preventing excess of moisture by evaporation. As a rule the flooring of the house is composed of soil. That naturally becomes sodden, or at any rate filled with moisture that helps to keep the temperature low and filled with moisture at the very time that a dry atmosphere is required. This in a great measure could be prevented if the whole of the inside was covered with concrete, or well tarred and sanded. Artificial heat i*, of course, more beneficial, as a little heat could bo put on each night and the temperature better regulated. But even when fire heat is used there is a great advantage in having a solid floor, so that evaporation can bo regulated. Another advantage, too, is that the house can be kept much cleaner, as the harbour for insects is naturally lessened. During the summer, too, the moisture can be better regulated, for by damping the door just sufficient moisture can be maintained when the vines most require it, while excess can be avoided. Grapes that are showing any signs of decay should be cut and marketed at once, so that tho house can be thrown open and they give the , vines every chance to thoroughly ripen their j wood. The longer the season of rest they I have the bettev condition they will bo in for next season's work. All sub-laterals and superfluous growth should be removed to allow of free access of light and air. If infested with bug or other pests the vinos should be thoroughly dressed. Care, however, must be taken not to injure any of the old leaves, as perfectly-formed buds cannot be secured if they are injured or destroyed before they have completed their work, or until they fall naturally from the return of the sap. In fact, all foliage should be as carefully preserved until natural decay takes place as it should bo when th© vines are lacicn with ! fruit. If the mealy-bug has become establishI eel, and the vines badly infested, .the easiest and most effectual remedy is to fumigate with the cyanide arid sulphurio acid. This can be applied with safety at this stage of the vine. Directions have frequently been given in these columns how to apply it. Though it is perfectly safe when carefully handled it is a deadly gas, and care must bo exercised in its manipulation. ANSWERS TO COEKESFOXDENTS. "C.J.W.," Auckland: Ee the cultivation of the taro and kumera, the taro ' (Colocasia esculenta) succeeds best in a moist, warm situation. It is most easy to cultivate and highly ornamental. The tubers are edible, and a favourite dish with the Maoris. It is a native of the Sandwich Islands. Tho kumera, or sweet potato (Batatas edulis), is a native of the East Indies. There are quite a number of varieties. Some succeed well here, others have proved failures. Those grown by the Maoris, namely, the large redskinned and the small, long red, are the best sorts. Kumeras are easy to cultivate, provided the grower has p. knowledge of their requirements. Plant the shoots early in November in soil that is not too rich. Plant in rows about two feet apart and eighteen inches between each in the rows. When the plant begins to run draw the earth up around it like earthing-up potato sets. The plants run freely, and soon cover the surface soil. The runners, or tops, should be lifted occasionally to prevent the roots that are produced at the joints from striking into the soil, and creating too much top instead of j tubers at the proper place. Kepos. I