THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13355, 8 December 1906, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

; Splexdid rains have again well soaked the. soil, being just what was required to keep up growth and impart a. fresh appearance, to the plants and maintain the verdure of the grass. The present season has been exceptionally favourable" for the garden and grounds, consequently there is the greatest profusion of bloom, and a freshness everywhere pervades the garden. Roses and annuals make a splendid display, and carna.lions and sweet peas are also at their best. Chrysanthemums are making good growth; those that aro being grown for the production of show blooms require constant attention to pinching off superfluous side shoots, and confining the growth to the three shoots that have been selected after the first break to grow on and produce, the blooms. The plants should receive a timely dressing with vermorite or lime and sulphur solution 10 prevent mildew and other fungoid diseases that attack the foliage. Apply the solution with a suitable sprayer that will dress the undersides of the leaves as well as the upper. Continue the planting of dahlias, which aro indispensable in every garden; the cactus varieties are the most popular. Pompom dahlias a*re extremely showy, and useful for planting nearer the. edges of the beds and IwrdersT they aro of dwarf and more, compact habit of growth than the others. All dahlias require to be securely staked; this should bo done at the time of planting, driving the stake in close to the plant: when left until the plant- makes a goad start into growth inserting the support is likely to injure the roots. Spent blooms of roses and carnations should be picked off; by this means the flower buds that aro forming produce tetter blooms, and a longer period of flowering is maintained. The moist, warm weather has been favourable to the growth of weeds, and abundant crops of seedlings have made their appearance, necessitating the hoeing of the various beds and borders. The holiday season is again fast approaching, consequently every endeavour must be wade to complete all planting and have the garden and grounds, including walks, in the best possible state Of neatness and thoroughly free from weeds.

THE KITCHKN OAKBE.V. Bountiful rains have administered to the requirements of the. many crops now in their different stages of growth. Peas, beans, and other vegetables arc in plentiful supply and of best quality, a-« conditions have been exceptionally favourable for their growth. The time is at hand for planting celery for main crop. For this purpose prepare good, wide, deep tranche* by throwing out the soil to the depth of about a spade, then fork up the subsoil, incorporating with it a good dressing of well-rotted stable manure: woll water the trenches before planting, and arrange the plants in a single row along the centre of ouch trench, placing them from eight to twelve inches apart. Trenches may also be prepared for leeks in a similar manner. In routine work keep 111«_> hoc constantly going to kill weeds and stir the surface.

I THE GREENHOUSE. At this season of tho year plants require ; an extra amount of attention on account of ! the increasing heat and bright, sunny weathj er. Growth at the present time is rapid, coni sequently very soft and tender, and plants arc I liable to iijjury from any neglect in .water-

ing, shading, or giving the necessary attention to their many requirement*. ;.; At:- no season of the year aro plants tit a more healthy and interesting condition for decorative, purposes and producing a pretty and phasing effect than daring too festive «*«*>»- At this season, when growth i» 0 r»p. plants require an extra amount of watering. This is due 10 the amount of ventilation necessary during the hottest pari; «I the day, which quid&ydriei tip the sod. to obviate this and lessen the labour of watering a good plan is to cover the- benches with cocoa nut fibre, tan, or other material in which the pots can be plunged; » only an inch or two it. will have the effect of retaining a more genial moisture at the roots, and lessen the risk of injury through any neglect or oversight. A thorough system of shading too should be adopted. This is best attained by a blind, made of thick scrim or calico, and fixed upon » roller that can be drawn up or down at will. By tins means the plant* can be given the full advantage of light in dull weather and in the evenings. All quick-growing plants should be repotted from time to time a* they require it: but too large a shift must not be given. After potting water must bo carefully applied until the plants are again well ; established. The chief thing in potting at I this season is to provide plenty of. drainage in the bottom of the pots. Tuberous begonias are again commencing to flower,, and will .won bo the leading feature amongst the indoor flower-. These require abundance Of water throughout the whole flowering period, and consequently require free drainage when potting. An occasional watering with liquid manure will greatly increase and prolong the flowering period.

ANSWERS TO COEKE3fOSDE.VT3. '•Mount Eden": Cactus dahlias for garden decoration may be allowed to grow naturally, with two or three stems to produce fair sized bushy plants that will bear an abundance, of blooms. They should lie. well supported with one or more stout, straight stakes. When tying up thin out some of the superfluous shoots. In growing for the largest ami best, show blooms confine the plant to one leading stem, from which sufficient side branches may bo had to produce a shapely plant. Sweet peas reproduce true from -cod-, and do not- revert to other colours. Slugs may have eaten the finer varieties, which accounts for your having so many clarets and purples. Your onlyplan is to obtain a fresh collection for next sowing. By keeping the different varieties separate con can save your own seed, liegonias that have become straggling and weedy looking should be. cut back. "G.L.," Parnell: Coal ashes should never be used in the garden. The soil in many gardens lias been made useless for either vegetables or flowers by being poisoned with coal ashes. IvEros.