THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13583, 12 September 1908, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

The splendid weather experienced for so many weeks in succession has enabled gardening operations to be curried in with pleasure and success. All soils, heavy as well as light, have been in the best condition for working. Consequently, where the ground ha* boon dug or forked over and tho surface limed it is sweet, and friable, and in excellent, order for either sowing or planting tho many varieties of annuals and other plants that aro required for tho summer decoration of tho garden and grounds. The recent dry weathor has, amongst the many other benefits to tho garden, greatly assisted in chocking the slug nuisance. With a dry surface liming is effectual in killing them, providing it is sown after dark on a still night when they aro out. Of all tho troubles and annoyances tho gardener has to contend against slugs aro about the worst. If left undisturbed they Boon demolish or disfigure many of the most highly-prized plants and flowers. In sowing lime, care' must, be taken to avoid scattering it over the foliage of all plants indiscriminately, as it disfigures as well as injures the foliage of some varieties, and burns some of the young aoedlings when applied broadcast upon them when tho foliage is wet with dew. The remarkable absence of the usual strong winds at this season has enabled all shrubs that have been planted during the winter to make a splendid start into growth, and to become established without the necessity of staking. At tho same timo, all those that are in danger of being injured by strong winds should bo properly supported to withstand a 'sudden .change. Deciduous trees and shrubs are bursting into growth and flower. Magnolia conspicua (the Yulan tree of China), also obovata and the other deciduous varieties, are in full flower, boing tho most conspicuous and beautiful and the earliest to blossom of all hardy trees. Camellias, rhododendrons, and photinias, also viburnum sieboldi, make a splendid display at the present timo. Rhododendrons are the most gorgeous and highlyprized flowering shrubs in cultivation. No shrubbery or other ornamental plantation should be without several representatives of tho above. Daffodils are also about at their best, and present a wonderful profusion of bloom. Lawns and other grass plots present a most verdant appearance. Attend well to mowing and rolling. Tho grass must not be allowed to grow too long, as it becomes yellow at the base, and the finer sorts are liable to bo destroyed.

HORTICULTURAL SHOW. The spring show, held on Thursday and Friday last in the Choral Hall, will long bo remembered by all who wero privileged to witness the beautiful display of flowers that were staged. This exhibition can rightly bo termed the daffodil show, for although provision is made for every variety of flower in season, the narcissi family takes jpjece,dincQ. At this show the number and

excellence of the exhibits, were better than j that of any previous spring show. From ev'erv point of view tho show was an im. qualified success, and was certainly an education to all lovers of these beautiful flowers. i Tho following analysis of some of the leading varieties shown on the stands may bo of interest to growers of these lovely flowers: —Trumpet varieties: Mrs. W. T. Ware, shown 9 times; Victoria, 8 times; M. J. Berkeley, 7; Albicans, b; Colleen Bawn, Empress, Princens, 5; Tortuosus, Emperor, Cernuus, Shirley. Hibberd, Major, 4; Santa Maria, Princess Ida, Primrose Dame, 3; KinK Alfred, 0. W. Cowan, Dean Herbert, Golden Bell, Michael Foster, Glory of Leyden, Golden Spur, Marchioness of Lome, 2; Cabecoiras, Spurious, Hamlet, Queen of Spain Duke of Bedford, Admiral Makaroff, Portia, Cambricus, Achilles, Hume's Giant, Horseficldii, Spread Eagle. White Heather, Countess" of Annesley, Rowona, Oornuiw Pulchor, Lincoln Yellow,. Helen Falconer Sir S. Northcote, once each. Mo-dio-coronati or medium-cupped varieties: Gwythor, Cynosure, shown 9 times; Amubilis, Sir Watkin, 8 times; C. J. Backhouse, Magog (Duke of Buccleiich),, King of Netherlands, 7; Frank Miles, 6; Queen Bess, Leechsii Inc., 5; Codhns and Cream, Eggs and Bacon, Mary Anderson, Autocrat, John Bain, 4; Edward Hart, . Kathermo Smirrell, Elatior, Beauty, Gloria Mundi, Butter and Eggs, Duchessi Brabant, 3; Madge, Matthew, Splendens, Miriam Barton, Blackwoll, Redcoat, Glow, Dr. Fell, Stella Sup. Grand Duchess, Titan, 2; Dr. Gorman, Princess Mary, Burbidgei Typo, Minnie Hume, Nelsoni Minor,- Bridesmaid, Gog, Mabel Cowan, John Bull, Bertie, once each. Trumpets, 43 varieties shown; medios., 42 varieties. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. The present is always a busy time in this department in the oare of the seedlings that are abovo ground and the sowing of tho many varieties for succession, and also planting to keep up a regular supply sufficient to meet all requirements. Tho same remarks ro dusting lime freely over the surface soil on a calm night at a time when the slugs are feeding applies also to the kitchen gardon. Notwithstanding the fine dry weather, slugs seem as plentiful as ever, and must be checked in order to save the crops. Keep tho hoe going to stir the soil and prevent the growth of seedling and other weeds. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. " Lafleur," Ahipara: Protea mollifera, the pink variety, is tho name of flower sent; there is also a white. It is a native of South Africa, being commonly known as the Cape honey-flower or sugar bush. There are a number of varieties of protoas, all of which aro very beautiful. "L.G.," Ponsonby: Cyathea dealbata is the botanical .name of the white tree fern, the one with silvery white on the under sides of the fronds. Cyathea medullaris is what is commonly known as the black or bunga, ' Kepos.