THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17294, 18 October 1919, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

CHRYSANTHEMUM CULTURE. The middle of this .month is generally considered the best time to pant these indispensable autumn-flowering plants. Earbelr plantings have a tendency to become too long and lanky, and to lose their lower leaves prematurely. A dwarf, sturdy plant, with good healthy foliage and well branched, is preferable in every respect to a tall bush supported by a long, unsightly stake. Chrysanthemums are cultivated for the production of large show blooms, but mostly for general garden decoration and a plentiful supply of flowers for cutting. For this purpose the plants may be interspersed here and there throughout the mixed border, and arranged to produce the best effects and most striking contrasts ; and in order to have as long a display as possible, care must be taken to select varieties ranging in succession from the earliest to the latest, and to embrace the various sections, from the large and fantastic Japanese to the smallest and neatly-formed pompoms. * Growing Chrysanthemums for Show. In planting for the production of the finest show blooms, discretion must be used in the selection of the varieties and the proper time to plant. Experienced growers know that some varieties come into flower in a much shorter time than others ; and in order to have the different kinds come into flower at the one time, about the middle of April, they must plant accordingly, commencing with those that take longest to develop their flowers. For show purposes properly prepare a plot of ground by liberally manuring and deep digging. This should be done ear'y in Meptemher : and before forking over the surface to make it friable apply a liberal dressing of lime, with a little soot added.

How to Plant Chrysanthemums. For convenience* in staking and tending the plant* arrange them in rows about 2ft apart and* about 14 inches between the plants in the rows, allowing a distance of 3ft between the second and third rows, the same distance between the fourth and lifth rows. This system throws them into beds of two rows in each, with wide paths between, to allow room for tending the plants and a freer circulation of air. For planting select sturdy, well-rooted plants, and before planting dip them in a solution - of bluestone to kill fungoid germs, and ram the soil firm around the roots, using a blunt stick for the purpose. Firm planting promotes slower growth and much more sturdy plants. , Dahlias and Carnations. The propagation of these plants must be attended to in order to supply a stock of the different kinds for November plantings. Carnations are growing rapidly and throwing up their flower stems. At this particular stage considerable care must be taken of the pants. and also precautions to protect them from slugs and snails by occasionally lifting the side shoots with the hand and dusting a little soot mixed with lime close in around them. This also has a beneficial effect upon their growth. Neat stakes must be inserted to tic the flower stems to. Annuals add Biennials. The present is a suitable time for planting the numerous varieties for summer flowering, and also for sowing those kinds, such as nemophilas, acrolirfuims, rhodanthe, mignonette, poppies, lupine,

saponaria, gilia, and a few others that are best sown where they are to bloom. At present linarias make a splendid display in the rock garden and in the beds. Stocks, nemesias. dimorphothecas, cinerarias, antirrhinums, Virginian stocks, Iberis Gibraltica and other candytufts, larkspurs, and pansies present a wealth of bloom. Tulips are the gayest ornaments of the garden. Ranunculi, "too, contribute to the floral display. These plants have been particularly good this season. There are a whole host, of flowering shrube and trees, notably Japanese cherries, viburnums, deutzias. weige'.ias. etc., also wistarias in full flower, contrasting with the many tints of foliage, rendering this the most enjoyable and interesting time throughout the year.