THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14133, 7 August 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Another week has passed, but little progress can be reported, as weather conditions have continued unfavourable for the cultivation of the soil. The heavy downpour of rain at the commencement so saturated the land as to render it unworkable. The sowing of seeds in the open, such as hardy annuals, has been quite impracticable, as they would rot in the soil before germinating. The atmosphere still continues unusually mild for the time of year, so much so, that many varieties of trees, shrubs, and other plants are starting into premature growth. It is useless to recommend the digging of the beds and borders, exoepting in naturally 'light, porous soils, until the drier weather sets in. When this takes place, the whole of the beds and borders will require to be dug or hoed over to rid' them of ; surface weeds. This is absolutely necessary, not only to give the garden a better appearance, but to do away with a harbour, lor slugs, which threaten to be more numerous than usual owing to the mildness of the season. If timely measures are not taken to keep these pests in check, it will •be dinicult to save those varieties that slugs are partial to.

SPRING BULBS. Hardy spring flowering bulbs, anemones and ranunculi, are suffering somewhat from excessive moisture in the soil, which is affecting tho foliage. Hyacinths are also affected, the flowering stems in some /cases rotting before . developing. These lovely bulbs are difficult to grow to perfection unless they are protected from, slugs, which cat into the flower stalks just as they are pushing through the soil. Narcissi, or daffodils, apparently luxuriate in' the moisture. The many beautiful species and varieties of this most extensively-cultivated and popular genus are amongst the most easily grown, arid esteemed of all hardy spring flowering bulbs. They will thrive in almost any soil or situation. Few early flowering bulbs afford so much pleasure as the ' narcissus. They • may be planted in various ways for the decoration of the garden and grounds. They thrive equally well planted m separate beds or in mixed borders and shrubberies. The hardiest and freest growers are adapted for planting along the banks of running streams and ,of ponds, and on the sides of woodland walks that are partially shaded from the direct rays of the sun. In such positions the flowers last longer and retain their colour better than when fully exposed to the direct rays of the sun. They are also equally suitable for naturalising on grassy ; banks, or planted here and there in .the rockery, where . their flowers present a pleasing contrast in the early spring months. A few years back, the scarcity of varieties was deplored in - these columns—not so now, as many of the newest and most beautiful have been imported. Enthusiasts have also been most successful in raising new varieties from seeds. Every flower lover looks forward with keen interest to the local daffodil show.

CYCLAMENS AND KOSES. Cyclr.mens aro now flowering most profusely, and make a pleasing display. They, too, ere easily grown, thriving ; well both in tha flower-beds and in pots. The pruning of all varieties of roses should now be completed, and the sooner the planting is done the better. LAWNS. Lawns require attention to mowitig. When the grass is allowed to grow too long before cutting it becomes yellow at the bottom, and "the finer varieties are liable to be choked. After mowing roll occasionally, when the soil is not too wet. There is a tendency to over-roll, ' especially in heavy land; better not roll at all than overdo it. Clip and trim grass edges, and' keep walks arid drives free from weeds, y

THE ORCHARD. As stated in last week's notes upon graft-. ing, the peach and kindred fruits should bo the first to receive attention. In selecting scions for this purpose only • well-ripen-ed, short-jointed wood should be chosen, with a portion of the older wood attached, this older portion being cut to form the graft Rind-grafting, as already stated, is the simplest and best when the brunches to bo worked are large, but when the stock and scion are nearly of uniform size the best method is what is termed whip or" tongue grafting. This is performed by making a dlean, upward cut in the stock an inch and a-half in length, and a corresponding cut in the scion; a slit is then made in the scion and stock so that when inserted a tongue is formed which holds the graft firmly in position. After inserting the graft tie securely, and cover the wound with grafting wax or prepared clay.

PRUNING AND CULTIVATION. Pruning should be completed as soon as possible; this done the soil should be broken up as soon as the weather will permit, and the trees _ dressed with good fungicido emulsion. This is best done just before the buds burst into growth, as it can then bo applied at a strength that would not be safe when the trees are in growth. In addition to destroying fungoid germs and other diseases, syringing has the effect of destroying moss and other growths that form on the branches, and provide breed-ing-places for insect pests. But while syringing is necessary in combating the various insects and diseases, the cultivation Of the soil is the greatest factor in the production of first-class fruits. By thorough cultivation—keeping a fine, loose surface—the trees rarely feel the effects of drought, as evaporation is checked, so that the surface roots are supplied with moisturo at a time when they stand most in need of assistance. Rank growth of weeds, on the other hand, not only absorb the moisture from the soil, but consume a largo amount of food that would otherwise benefit tho trees. Trees, too, that are carrying regular crops of fruits should have some stimulating manure applied to assist in producing strong growth and developing perfect flowers, Kepos.