THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15504, 10 January 1914, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

The hot weather experienced throughout the holidays has made the soil so dry that artificial waterings must be regularly applied to keep the various plants in the beds and borders in a good healthy growing condition, and to maintain the floral display. Proper provision should be made by having the garden furnished with tho necessary plant and equipment for the distribution of water. Where these conveniences are available the garden and grounds msiy be kept beautifully fresh, and the plants in a healthy and flourishing condition. The ground must not be deluged with water, but sufficient should be given to nicely moisten the soil. Frequently stirring the surface soil during dry weather is of the greatest importance. In previous notes tho writer has drawn special attention to this operation. Watering and Cultivation. It is necessary where artificial watering are applied to break the surface crust that invariably forms, and also in gardens that depend only upon the natural rains for moisture. Tho frequent stirring of the surface will causa the moisture to rise and keep the plants in healthy condition for a considerable period. Mulching with short well-rotted manure or other suitable material is desirable. Such plants as dahlias, chrysanthemums, lilies, roses, fuchsias, asters, cannas etc., derive great benefit from a mulch; it keeps tho surface cool and moist and prevents the formation of a crust after the application of artificial waterings. Plants that aro mulched do not require the frequent stirring of the soil that would otherwise be necessary. Spent Blooms. Proper attention should bo paid to picking off all spent blooms of roses, carnations, and several other plants, this not only gives them a tidy appearance but greatly prolongs the flowering period. Dahlias require to be kept well tied up to their supports and to have some of the flower buds taken off. Dahlias should be grown with one leading stem, with the side branches nicely arranged and tied out. Attention to Chrysanthemums. During this month chrysanthemums need constant attention, all side shoots will require to be removed with the exception of thoso that have been selected to growon for the production of the show blooms. A careful watch must be kept for caterpillars, and the plants should be syringed about onco every two weeks to preserve the foliage from. the attacks of mildews and other fungoids, leaf rust being one of the worst. Use Bordeaux mixture or other suitable fungicides applied with a spray pump or syringe that will wet the under as well as the upper sides of the leaves. Chrysanthemums that were planted early are in many instances showing their crown buds much to the dkcomfort of the grower. These buds must be removed and another, either a second crown or a terminal, allowed to form in due course, as any that are taken now would be too early for the date fixed for the show. The crown hud usually takes from 40 to 50 days to develop into a. perfect flower; some kinds take longer than others. What are termed terminal buds differ from crowns in having side flowers instead of growths immediately below the buds. The terminals develop in much less time, and should not be taken for a month after the time fixed /or taking the crown buds. Flowers lor Summer. Amaranthas, ceiosias, phlox, portulacca, scarlet salvias, African and French marigolds, and cosmcea may still be planted to till vacancies as they will come in for summer and autumn flowering. Agapanthus (African lily) are now in full flower. They aro most effective with their large heads of blue and of white flowers. • They thrive anywhere and aro admirably adapted for eloping banks or for planting on the'margins of ponds or running streams. They are v fond of moisture, but being deep.roptv ing" succeed also, in dry. situations. .There are several varieties, .mostly of different shades' of blue. The pure-white is -exceedingly useful for floral work. . There is also a variegated leaved variety, which is of dwarfed habit, and much prized for its I prettily marked foliage.

The Showy Oannas. Cannas are exceedingly showy plants at this season. They, impart a most tropical effect with their broad massive and beautifully tinted foliage of various shades of bronze and bright green, surmounted by the utmost profusion of large spikes .of handsome flowers of-/the most brilliant colours. Cannas require to> be grown in sheltered positions, as the flowers soon damage where exposed to strong winds. They "are most suitable for separate beds or for grouping. Sweet- peas still continue to bloom; to keep up the flowering they must be well mulched and liberally watered. Dahlias require tin same treatment. KITCHEN OABDfflT.' The excessive heat experienced during the last fortnight, together with.dry parching wind, has Boon shown its effects upon most garden crops. After such a long season of moist weather and splendid growing conditions such a complete change naturally results in more rapid maturing of crops, particularly such varieties as. peas, beans,, and other quick growing vegetables. Peas and beans mature so rapidly, and soon get beyond the stage of usefulness unless .gathered as soon as -ready for use. To prolong the fruiting period the fruits should bo t gathered as Boon as ready, otherwise the plants soon become exhausted and unable to develop the later formed pods. There is on old saying that to pick beans is to have beans. This is quite, true, and the fruit should be gathered when ready, even if not required for immediate use. • Dry Weather Conditions. Root crops too are feeling the effect of the scorching sun. This is the. result of the soil having become hard and caked by the late heavy rains. Thorough working and stirring of the soil is the best remedy next to well watering. The weathor is certainly all that could: be wished for destroying weeds. During the continuous moist weather this. was practically impossible unloss the weeds .were gathered up immediately they were cut and burnt. The fact of having to work the soil to destrov weeds is, however, an advantage, for breaking up tho surface, soil the moisture from below is brought up near tho surface by atmospheric action, while a fine loose surface act 3 as a mulch and assists to check rapid evaporation. ! The soil between every crop in the garden should be well stirred. Removing . Spent Orops.

All spent crops, unless where seed is being saved, should be at once removed, and the ground well broken up to allow of the soil being well sweetened and pulverised in readiness for later crops. Trenches can-bo made and manured in readiness (or planting late plants of celery; also leeks for winter use.. Plots, too, should be prepared in readiness for planting brocoli, cabbage, and other colworts for winter use. In fact, ©very portion of the ground not in use should be broken up rough, and allowed to sweeten before rcsowing or planting. Cucumbors will now require abundance of water to keep them in a healthy fruiting condition. For rock and water melons the weather is all that could be desired. These, however, are sometimes subject to the attacks of green aphis, particularly during very hot, dry weather. Upon the least signs of the pest the plants should be at once sprayed with insecticide. Keep tomatoes well tied up to the trellis, removing all superfluous growths, and shortening the leaves so that the fruit is well exposed to light and sun.