THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16026, 18 September 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Azaleas and rhododendrons are the gayest' ornaments of-the garden - and grounds: at the present time. Both are, profuse and gorgeous flowering plants that must have a place in every-garden, as they are of the greatest value for decoration, cutting, and exhibition. By a judicious selection of varieties they , may be had in flower lor a considerable period. The varieties belonging to the Indian or Chinese section of azaleas are the most commonly grown in our gardens, as they will flourish in any ordinary soil; but prefer that of a light but fairly moist and well-drained character. Being mostly of dwarf, compact habit they are admirably adapted for distribution here and there amongst the herbaceous plants and dwarfer growing shrubs in the mixed border. They need but little care and attention. They come into flower when everything is clothed with young spring growth, and form a charming contrast to the verdant foliage of surrounding subjects, producing the utmost profusion of bloom, rendering them conspicuous at a distance. Our climate is eminently adapted for growing azaleas, as may be seen by the manner in which they flourish when planted out permanently in the open ground. They succeed best planted on grassy slopes or in the grass where the soil is not cultivated or manured. How to Grow Rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are associated with azaleas, being included in the same genus by some authorities. They are justly classed amongst the most noble and attractive of evergreen flowering shrubs; some attain the height of small trees. There are a large number of varieties, several of which will thrive in any ordinary garden soil. But to grow the majority of kinds successfully it is generally necessary to prepare the soil for their reception by taking out some of the original and refilling with a prepared compost. If peat is obtainable it should form a good portion of the mixture, the remainder consisting of fibrous loam and coarse sand. A little dry cow manure well pulverised is also a good addition. here it is intended to grow rhododendrons, in stiff land with a retentive clay subsoil it is necessary to prepare beds with above compost, otherwise the plants will never present a . healthy, flourishing appearance. But in' localities where the soil is deep and of a fairly porous nature but little preparation will be needed, some leaf mould or well rotted turf being sufficient to mix with the soil to encourage the plants to make good' root action. The very hardy varieties belonging to the ponticum section will succeed almost everywhere and are not so particular as to soil. But in every instance the presence of lime in the soil near the roots must be avoided, as azaleas and rhododendrons will not flourish where this exists.

Flowering Peaches. The double flowered varieties of peaches are exceedingly attractive with their lovely full blossoms of the purest white, crimson, and various shades of pink: they are adapted for the mixed shrubbery or border. Cercis siliquastrum, the " Judas tree," is also most conspicuous, the whole of the branches and .stems being wreathed in showy rose-coloured blossoms. Poly gal a grandiflora and Habrothamnus Neivelli have been in flower for sbme time ; diosma erecoides is clothed in white bloom; , several varieties of heaths are a mass of flowers; wisterias are just beginning to open. The Bulb Season. The, different varieties", of the", hardv. spring flowering species are.now at; their beat, including daffodils; ranunculus, • anemones. tulips, freesias. spar axis, scillas, or wood hyacinths; these are exceedingly pretty; there are three colours, pure white, blue, and pink; also grape hyacinths, cyclamens, and gladiolus oolvilei. Lachenalias are charming dwarf subjects, with pretty bugle-shaped flowers. The Varied Cineraria. Cinerarias make a splendid show with their many coloured blossoms, those, that were , planted early in well sheltered localities being now in full bloom. Cinerarias require rich cultivation, and are benefited by manurial :■ waterings during dry weather. The greatest strain upon the energies of most plants is at their flowering period; it is then that the roots need stimulating to enable them to produce the blossoms.

Popular Flowers. Daisies, polyanthus, primroses, pansies, violets, and other herbaceous plants are now flowering profusely. Pansies are general favourites and may be grown by almost anyone, as they will thrive -without special treatment, provided the position is neither too hot nor too dry. They prefer a cool moist' soil, and under good culture, liberal treatment, . and careful selection of the choicest and best largeflowpred strains splendid results may be obtained. Thoroughly decomposed cow manure, with an admixture of coarse gritty sand mixed with the " soil is what they ■ delight in. Peonies and Liliums. Herbaceous plants are already starting into active growth. Paeon are throwing up their flower stalks, heleniums, perennial delphiniums, perennial phlox, iris kaempferi (the Japanese iris), dielytra spectabilis, doronicums, and others are | shooting up. Care must be taken to protect them from slugs, which are so injurious to this class of plants. Liliums are also appearing above ground. Keep the soil frequently stirred on favourable occa- i sions throughout the beds and borders, j and occasionally dust lime to kill slugs and benefit the soil*. Growing Vegetables. Ground that has been well broken up and prepared may now be sown with almost every variety of vegetable with every prospect of success. Prom this time onwards there should be little or no difficulty, by judicious selection of varieties and by occasional sowing and planting, in keeping the garden replete with almost every variety of useful crops. To keep up a succession of fresh vegetables, particularly in gardens of limited area, the quantity sown Should never exceed the requirements. It is far better to sow in smaller quantities and often, especially with varieties that last but a very short season when ready for use, such as peas, French beans, turnips, radishes, summer spinach, and others of like character. Sowing for Early Crops. In sowing for early crops it is usual to sow the seed more thickly than is done for later crops. For this reason, providing they escape the ravages of birds and slugs, special attention must be given to thinning out the plants, allowing each plant ample room to properly develop. This, too, applies to all crops, for when left crowded together the plants soon become weakly and drawn, and even when thinned take a long time to recover. Advantage should be taken of fine weather to hoe and cultivate between all growing crops. The more often the soil is stirred the more rapid will be the growth. Earthing-up Plants. Potatoes, peas, beans, cabbage, cauliflowers. and other crop should be earthed up as soon as sufficiently advanced. The transplanting of autumn-sown onions should now be completed as soon as possible. If planted at once they will become well established before the dry weather sets in. Sow a row of scarlet runner beans in a warm, sheltered position. This is one of the most useful vegetables grown, .as it continues to fruit almost throughout the summer. A few tomatoes may now be planted, provided a warm sheltered situation is selected. If planted near a wall or fence having a northerly aspect, and carefully trained they should produce very early fruit, 1

Planting Late Trait Tims. The season for planting orchard trees is now rapidly drawing to a close, so that any planting still to be done should be hastened forward as quickly as possible. For some time past,,owing to rains and sodden state "of the soil, planting in many cases could not be satisfactorily performed, particularly "where the soil is of a stiff clayey nature. In such soils, late planting is preferable to puddling the soil, as i« almost inevitable when in a sodden condition. The stiffer the soil the more need there is for breaking up the surface around the trees as soon as the soil is dry enough to work. This, too, applies to all trees, as the soil naturally becomes caked upon the surface by the heavy rains. Where large numbers are planted it may not be practicable to mulch, so that a nice loose surface should be maintained. By this means, evaporation is checked, and a more genial moisture maintained when the dry weather sets in. All trees that are exposed and liable to be blown about by the winds should be securely staked. Evergreen plants particularly * must be made secure. Cultivate and Manure the Fruit. Older fruit-bearing trees should at this season have every encouragement given them. Thorough cultivation and manuring at this season is an important factor in the production of healthy growth and well-developed fruit. Assistance given at this time when the trees are commencing to break into blossom must naturally assist to develop more perfect blossoms and a more perfect fertilisation. As the object in manuring is to return to the soil the material absorbed by the trees, it naturally follows that, in proportion to the growth and fruitfulness of the trees, the food must be supplied in order to eufit&in health and vigour. In the application of the manure it should be distributed so that the trees can derive the greatest benefit from its use.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Rustic, Mount Eden: In addition to the various styles of rock and "water gardening, informal and wild gardening is coming into vogue in Britain. There is a growing tendency to depart from the hard ana fast rule for bedding out and to do away with formality and work more in accord with nature. Present day gardening aims at diversity, and in this respect differs from the style adopted 50 years ago. The horticultural architect of to-day transforms a level surface into an exceedingly interesting and beautiful garden, breaking up the surface by throwing up mounds for rockeries and digging out for sunk gardens, erection of fancy bridges, arranging for water gardens, and natural steppingstones, edging the walks with stone, and erecting pergolas for climbing roses and other plants. What is termed the mixed border is always provided for. In this dwarf-growing shrubs, dahlias, lilies, various perennials tastefully arranged, according to _ heights and colour, with annuals and dwarfer subjects towards the edges. Lawns and grass plots are always in evidence.

J.V, Ponsonby: Weeping willows are exceedingly ornamental and graceful trees affording welcome shade during the summer months. But they must not be planted near drains, otherwise the roots will choke and fill the drain pines in a few years. It is surprising the" distance the roots travel- seeking moisture from the drains and entering the pipes at the joints, even finding their wav into socket tiles. • * Kepos.

HINTS TO GARDENERS. People who only require a small quantity of cauliflower from the garden need not cut a whole -head. They can cut off just as much as they need and leave the rest on the talk; it will keep fresh and will ■actually increase in size. Much the same thing can be done "with a large cabbage. Crinum bulbs, which produce some of the most exquisite flowers imaginable, having.' in ' certain cases, -a- delicious perfumerequire a nice porous soil, the- fertility of which has been increased with the help - of well-rotted cow manure. -If your ground is naturally stiff and heavy lighten it by thoroughly working into 'it . a moderate quantity of fairly sharp sand.

When planting half-hardy .annuals, it should be remembered that asters like a deep and well-manured soil, rather richer than that for stocks, while the latter appreciate the presence of* a plentiful addition of old mortar or some other form of lime. Then, zinnias like a •rich-soil and a warm position, and phlox drummondi and the Indian and • Japanese pinks a moderately firm, rich root-run -.and an open position—in fact, this last must be granted to practically all of this class of plant.

The question of raising fragrant chrysanthemums is engaging the attention of many persons in Great Britain. The names of several sweetly-perfumed kinds have been prominently mentioned. A very old variety named Pirogue has a particularly sweet, violet-like scent; its colour is a deep -claret—a'most useful variety for decorative purposes. The pink variety named Ladysmith is - delightfully scented, and specimen plants at a recent show attracted much attention owing to the fragrance they emitted. Mrs. Langtrv and Mensaj both single kinds, are also sweetscented. Louis Boehmer, one of the hirsute class, is alsa fragrant; and Mrs. G. Hemming a large and. new ' Japanese variety, is said to be very sweet-scented.

In England, in some town gardens, sweet peas are grown in tubs. Almost any kind of tub will answer. A barrel cut m two and painted green will last for years. Holes must be drilled in the bottom, and some rough cinders or charcoal placed at the bottom for drainage. On this place a layer of rotted manure, then fill the tub with some good soil mixed with bonedust and manure. The soil should be made firm by ramming. Sow in each tub about 10 seeds, but thin the plants out to five when all danger of losing them is past Five plants will give better results and more blooms than if 10 were left. Should smaller tubs be used, two or three plants will be enough.

A peach stone will seldom produce the same kind of fruit as the parent tree be'fc ha either leen cross-fertilised with the pollen of some ether variety, or the parent tree having originated 'from such a cross, the seeds will produce trees with all the various characters of the parents for some generations back in various combinations. New varieties are selected from a large number of these hybrid seedlings one of which may occasionally hapb%a g ° J ° d sort. When a desirable variety is found it is reproduced and proDagated by buds set on seedling stocks The wild stock does not affect the tree or fruit unless it grows too slow or too fast to make a good union with the bud or craft Even if bees »° other carriers have not carried the pollen of one variety to another the seed will usually produce trees with various differences due to crossing in previous generations. °

of o " 1O " do " ot appreciate the company of weeds. Therefore, give the latter no quarter. By wielding the cultivator energetically and frequently, not only axe f the obnoxious intruders routed, but the surface is kent loose and open, a state absolutely essential to achieve success. Transplanted onions have a tendency to co to B ® ed ;, consequently the flower heads should be pinched off as soon as thev appear. After the plants get well estabsome of them wjll exhibit "thick necks. Pull them up, and use them as required, because the prospects of them attaining pertection are slender. To prevent the bulbs from scorching during the hot weather cover them with a mulch of ancient stable manure. The withering of the leaves and the shrivelling of the necks indicate when the crop is fit to gather. Pull the bulbs and spread thinly in a shed for two or three weeks, at the end of which they will be sufficiently dry for storing. Then tie by the tops in ropes, and attach to beams (but not close to iron roofs (or cut the tops off and place the bulbs in a cool, dry well ventilated place. When this course is adopted it is necessary to pick over the onions occasionally, and remove them growing or rotting.