THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14525, 12 November 1910, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

At this season of the year ou| gardens and grounds present a most charming -and refreshing appearance with the rich verdure of the grass and the many and varied tints of young foliage that clothe/ the trees, shrubs, and other plants and the wealth of bloom that is to be seen) on every side. Hedgerows are in their full growth, some, too, notably those composed of hawthorns, are in full flower. The mixed hedge, in which a roses ivy-leaved geraniums, and other flowering plants are growing, is most attractive and is the most natural and best means of showing off the many varieties of climbing roses, notably those belonging to the wichuriana and rambler sections, to advantage. Climbing roses are the gayest ornaments 08 the garden, surpassing all other flowers in beauty, fragrance, and abundance of bloom. House-fronts, bedecked with Cloth of Gold or other equally strong-growing varieties, elicit the admiration of all. In addition to climbing roses, all the other representatvea of the rose family will be at their best during the next few weeks. The rose still retains the premier position that it has always enjoyed amongst flowers, and, instead of its popularity decreasing, new creation and developments add further fame to this ever-popular eenus. Laburnums, lilacs, deutzias, weigelias or diervillas, exochordas, philadelphus or mock orange, are now conspicuous amongst the many shrubs at present in bloom, and Japanese maples are conspicuous for the brilliance and unique colouring of their graceful foliage. boutine WOBK. The planting of chrysanthemums should be completed by the middle of this month. Dahlias, notably the varieties belonging to the cactus section, are indispensable in every garden. Now is the proper time to plant. _ Dahlias should occupy positions in the mixed borders, arranging the taller growers at the back and the dwarfer near the edges, mixing the colours to produce the best effects. Plant phlox, petunias, verbenas, miniature sunflowers, asters, cosmos, oelosidy (portulacca, zinnias, balsams, salphiglossis, etc., al*> aJternantheras, iresines, and the other varieties of carpet-bedding plants. In making mention of plants in flower at the present time amaryilis, or hippeastrums, present a magnificent and gorgeous display with their lovely blossoms. THE KITCHEN GABDEN. Routine work in this department is now the order of the day, such as sowing, and planting for succession, hoeing} to keep down weeds, thinning out seedlings, and earthing up and staking those that require either or both. Plant) kumeras according to instructions already given. Complete the planting of tomatoes, and have all properly staked. Thin out pumpkins, marrows, cucumbers* rock and water melons; leave three or four of the strongest to each hill. THE ORCHABD. During the next few months the energies of the orchardist will be fully taken up in combating the many pestsl that attack the fruit and foliage, for there are but few orchard trees that are now immune from the ravages of some pest or other. Fortunately, however, with the increase . of enemies of the orchard better remedies have, been introduced that can be applied with Treater effect and with less risk of injuring the trees, so that growers have more confidence in applying the material, and, consequently, reap better results. With the judicious use of arsenate of lead that dread pest, the codlin moth, is no longer feared by the apple and pear-grower. To be thoroughly, effective, however, spraying must be done thoroughly and at regular intervals, from the time of the falling of the blossom until the fruit is developed. The advantage of this material is that it adheres to the fruit and foliage for a longer period than other remedies, particularly in fairly dry weather. Another advantage is that, being a destructive agent to insect life; the leech, brown beetle, and other leaf-eating insects are destroyed by its use. The arsenate of lead can be procured from any of the seedsmen in from lib bottles upwards, with full directions for use on each parcel. Another injurious pest at. this season is the black aphis. These increase so rapidly if left unmolested as to soon sap the vitality of the young foliage and even the branches. Peaches, Japanese plums oranges, lemons, and* other plants fall a prey to this pest Unfortunately, the natural energy of this pest rarely" makes its appearance in time to check it before much damage is done, so that sprayings have to be resorted to. It is difficult pest to eradicate and two or three dressings to effect a cure- The most effectual solutions for this pest is nicotine or McDougall's insectiside. If the emulsion is applied hot better and qucker results are obtained. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "W.R., Hamilton: The soil that you are using for seedlings in boxes is evidently unsuitable for the purpose, and from your description is sour and contains alkali or other ingredients in excess that • are injurious to the plants. Your only remedy is to obtain fresh soil, such as the writer recommended in answering your previous queries. Volcanic soil is fuite unnecessary: you have as good_ and better for the purpose in your locality. "Amateur," Mount Eden: The writer has on ' several occasions recommended the insertion oE lucifer matches into the holes made by borders in lemon, : orange, and other trees. The fumes of sulphur given off by the unignited match either kills or drives out the grub. Your experience is valuable, as it proves the efficacy of this

treatment. Your cutting hvk rJt *-■ '' branches that have been ?& g fi *»»» -" borer and inserting : lucifor „, 1° ** *• foremost) ha, cured badly ft-jM" * from which you are now gathering trePt '" crop of fruit Athens- a good % D.T., Wanganui: Planiim, -t> ■'-,'"■-■■ l pseud-acacia from 3ft} to 4ft - £**«» '■ d way is a suitable distance for t^ 1 * **&&< turn of clean, straight stems Iff 0 *"- I first year annually, thin out, let*? '** % ultimate distance of about tnf?^? 1 * *« , ? means strong, straight tninkstill % ** ' G.M., Ponsonby: The : . Wh „. : . already making its °f T ' i] »S a®s leaves of pear. chcrrV/^Sd^, ll ! *» -tie <t.' Immediate remedies 'must ' fr trees.,;.:, Syringing the foliage with D o^rL_? l, ? !i «i : ' bore soaked in water is SKS^. \ -an ounce to every three galloSofJSf '