THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14841, 18 November 1911, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Thb boisterous weather experienced daring the 1 greater part > of October and up to the time of writing has been very severe upon plants in gardens that are exposed to-the south-westerly and south winds, and without natural or artificial shelter. To successfully grow fruit trees, flowering plants, and vegetables, and enjoy the garden to its fullest extent, especially during the spring 'season, when keen, strong winds. that are so injurious to most plants prevail, shelter is an absolute necessity, and, if not naturally provided, must be • produced by the planting of evergreen hedges ,or suitable trees and shrubs, that will, when grown up, afford ample protection. Even a low, dense hedge will break the wind and shelter the plants for a considerable distance. A wooden or iron fence acts in a similar manner. Hedges are indispensable,wwh- t ther for ornament or shelter, or. both com-' bined, and also for dividing one part of the garden from another, as well as adding to the privacy of the grounds.

Importance of Shelter. The shelter hedge is the most important. For this purpose various trees and shrubs are available, and should be chosen to suit the soil, situation, and climate. Ono sort may be better adapted for certain situations than others. Again, the soil may be unsuitable for this or that particular variety. All these circumstances should be taken into ■ account before finally deciding what to plant. Ekeagnus, the once popular hedge plant, has during the past two or three years contracted a disease in ' Rooming infested with green aphis that detracts from its appearance and is most objectionable.

, Live Hedges. . Hodges composed of Cupressus macrocarpa; Pittosporum crassifolium, Olearias, laurels, coprosmas, carberry, junipers, hollies, African borthorn, are the best and most serviceable for the most exposed positions. Some of the varieties of pines must also be utilised in the very poor soil and most open exposures, The Tecoraa, Teooma capensis has become the most popular of all ornamental evergreens for local hedges, and deservedly so, as it is most ornamental and of close, dense habit,and easily trimmed and kept in order. Unfortunately, this hedge plant is unsuitable in those districts where heavy frosts occur. For other ornamental hedges, ligustrums or privets, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Thuja gi gan tea, _ the different varieties of escallonias, variegated enonymus, and several kinds of bamboos, notably Bambusa metake and nana are excellent hedge plants. Plants for Hedges. Climbing and other' suitable roses, honeysuckles, and several other creepers, and various shrubs, including the varieties above named, when planted in a mixed style, are, most » interesting, highly ornamental, and serviceable. Bougainvilleas would produce a gorgeous effect, especially when in full flower; the wonder is there ate none of them planted for this purpose. The kitchen • garden needs protection las much or more than , any other part. Early vegetales can only be produced . under the most favourable • conditions. Kidney beans, tomatoes, ' all the melon family, nlso potatoes, must lie protected from strong, keen, cutting, southerly winds,-

The Vinery. r 111 this department the meat > operation now demanding thinning of the berried'A&f- IMSi vines a greater eouroo of ant£L tlni « & mng requires attention just a^V® t ®Bfi [ nj«»y other important wrb-^^Jwlß Neglect, however, at this til do^ to trouble, as tho berries aweS r^ n . soon, get beyond the control of [hi 7 R «<l I® lor some weeks past tl, ft °U At ■%,. been very favourable for vlnm *** V;,"' tionally harsh winds and cold 'n£. ***&'Sil m a measure check growth, howe Vftr , •WfH' the management, Unless in the 6r .'CMfefcl tcred places it baa been Bl,el *'' SI sible to open the ventilators. y lm W*« Late-starting Vines. Late-started vines, that have been .11' to start without in any wav generally set their fruits more nUnJi^ than when forced with artificial hett • when a largo number of artv on« i • a ° i ' r such as Hamburgh or other? grown?* l ' one house, it entails persistent C T keep pace with their lequirementg- 01 wise the berries soon become too handle without risk of injury To {! < pace ~ with their requirements; thiS"' should bo commenced as soon as th«T? B nes are the size of small peas, particuliHwith good, roe-setting varietirrwS'--varieties that do not set freely . but oISSw form numbers of stoneless berries, UuS may be deferred until the seedless fSEfiv can be determined, 113 these are best i? moved. '""J®* Economising Labour, ■' To economise the labour as muoh as SkfS sible, the berries should first be redweluEw the numbers required to form th« cron T -"" * no case should the vines be overcronn«? so that m cropping always give the via£ it! • the benefit. It has often been said that!? would be advantageous to the '•■grower'it I'm he entrusted the thinning to a friend. On* ' thing is certain, that most ria©» Me'wS*® too heavily taxed. No rule «a be bS down as to the number of bunches a viSiti? should carry, as it depends much upon. Sa i strength, condition, and the treatment tW receive. In prcperly-prepared and wril.' kept borders, where the root conditions *m '--* I carefully studied, the vines would natarsß* carry and mature better grapes and much heavier crops than where these conditio** do not exist. ■Removing Surplus Growths.tr^Mll In addition to thinning laterals, growth I& must in no case be allowed to accumulate but be removed from time to time as ther grow. During the growing and fruitinefl#' period vines are grOssa feeders, and absorb a. great amount of nourishment to enahhi 1 4 them to develop and mature their fruits.' This should always bo considered when ' § treating the vines during the EumawH ■ months. Very frequently, however, ■'.during the dry weather the border receives little or 1 no attention, and becomes parched and dry just at a time when the roots' standSß most in need of assistance. Up toitiwfflffi present the rains have provided the roots with plenty of moisture; but if mulching has not ready been done v. few weektfi'SfeS dry weather, if the !; parchito winds continue, will quicldv dry , the gig l § It may not always be practicable to mulch M with manure, but any material that will'-- S assist to check evaporation will ■..griatW'.uKl assist in the development of good grapes, 'Answers So Correspondents. * i||^p| • "Greenhouse:" Fumigation is much th# best and most simple means of getting rid ' of green fly and other aphides. . Fumigation with tobacco, X.L. All, or Surpass All, i| done in a proper way, is most effectual", Two or even three applications may «b$ neoessary to destroy the successive broods. Towards evening is the best time to fiumS® gate the house, choosing a calm day.linjßll closing all the Apertures to retain a dents smoke. To prevent injury to the plants - the foliage should be quite dry. Well water and syringe the foliage the following mom* ',';-V ing. ■■ Materials above named may • be' qb> i£ " tairreid from any seedsman, directions beiiff printed' on the bottles of X.L. All and: Sur- I'* pass, AIL ■■ In uaing tobacco care must J#> taken that it contains no sulphur or kero*'£fr se'ne. Quassia #is & cheap ■ and easilyapplied insecticide. Use the following fdN mula.:—Boil lib quassia chips; in 4 gallon! of soft water for about 10 minutes, strains ing off the ; chips; add lib of soft soap? dip or syringe the plants with this mixture, and after about 12 hours,well' syringe with l 1!? j soft, tepid water. Cineraria and Ohinew • primula seeds may be sown early in January. ■. Sow in pow' or pans, cover / with,* pane of glass, And place in a shady position! in the greenhouse or cool frames. EeraoW f the glass shortly after the seeds germinate, and prick . them off ~ into ■ boxes or pot* Plants v raised as • above may be ■ grown otIHI ;to flower i during • the following winter.^Mßji " Amateur,'-V Epsom: ; Now is the props#time to sow celoaias or. cockscombs, amaran* thus, portulaccas, and balsams in the open p beds and borders. Earlier sowings are jioillfS advisable, as they are' all teSder : annuals and require a warmer and more ■ even temperature than exists before the middle foflilil November. -.Esro&SnSs