THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18089, 13 May 1922, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

ROCK GARDENS. Rock gardens, when properly designed and constructed, provide accommodation for an endless variety of plants within a limited area, and enable the growing of many of tho best and rarest varieties that will not succeed under ordinary conditions but will thrive among the crevices and in the pockets, where tho rain-water rapidly drains away and where protection is afforded from the weather. In a rock garden various aspects and soil conditions may bo provided to suit different plants. Ericas, coronias and similar plants that require special soil preparation and no manure may be grown in close proximity to those that thrive under rich cultivation by the judicious arrangement of the enclosures or receptacles. Sunny aspects may bo allotted to those that rcqurre as much sun and heat as possible, whereas opposite conditions may bo given to these plants that succeed best when planted on the cool, shady side. In this manner various aspects and conditions to suit different plants may be easily secured in a rock garden by the placing of the stones in construction. There aro few gardens within our city and suburbs, especially where stones aro so plentiful and easily procurable in which rock work might not be constructed and render them attractive.

Special Advantages ol Rock Gardening. During our naturally wet winters, when the condition of tho soil in the various bods and borders is unfit for working, and when many of the best of the herbaceous plants suffer and are often destroyed by excessive moisture, rock gardens afford special facilities for weeding around and tending tho plaits without treading upon the soil, as the operator can find a footing upon the stones and make use of the narrow winding walks that may have been arranged for the purpose. Rock work may be introduced in various forms and for various purposes, such as embellishing a sloping bank where the soil is uncongenial and unfit for growing plants. By the arrangement of stones and embedding them in the soil and digging oat pockets and filling them with good earth and judiciously planting, au unsightly clay bank may bo transformed into a beautiful gSrden. A rock garden may also be formed where the surface is flat by digging out a d«ep trench of irregular shape and utilising the soil thus obtained by throwing up mounds of uneven size on either side, the centre forming a walk edged with rough stones, with a gradual slope formed hy the Eoil that was excavated and with stones arranged over the slope, with cavities or receptacles for the plants. Dwarf-growing shrubs may be planted near the top as a background.

Suitable Plants for the Bock Garden. The varieties of plants suitable for the rock garden are very numerous, embracing quite a number of annuals and biennials, herbaceous and other perennials; also a variety of bulbs. Among bulbous plants, cyclamens, freesias, Spanish and other irises, mas, spararis, lachenalias, nerines, a few of the dwarfer-growing narcissi, anemones and ranunculi are all suitable. Other leading varieties for the permanent planting are:—Anthropodium, cirrhatum, cerastium, biebersteini, several varieties of sediuns, mesembryanthemums, saxifrages, Agathea colestis, Campanula carpathica, and the dwarf growing varieties, lobelias, Cuphea platycentra, gazanias, begonias, fibrous rooted, Lotus peliorynehus, goldfussia, Lantana selloweana and others, kalosanthes, heucheras, plectranthus, Lithospermum prostratam, Phlox nelsoni, a few dwarf-growing veronicas, Vittadenia triloba, fuchsia, dwarf-growing geraniums, etc., also Polygonum repens. Avoid the planting of Linaria cymbalaria and any other kinds that are likely to take possession and become a nuisance.

GENERAL GARDEN OPERATIONS. Every endeavour should be made to pot the various beds and borders, also the edgings &nd walks, in good repair preparatory to the winter season setting in. Consequently every advantage should be taken of Sue periods to dig over weedy patches and to band-weed among bulbous plants and seedlings. Any spare ground that is unoccupied and not required for further planting before the spring should be sown in prairie grass to be dug under. This provides a winter cover ana prevents the soil from becoming battered with heavy rains; and also acts as a fertiliser, and adds hnmus, a very necessary ingredient in renewing soils that have become dead and in a measure worn out. Prairie grass is preferable to o&is in the flower garden as it does not grow tall and too much out of keeping with Hie other occupants. Walks and drives should be cleansed of weeds. For gravei and shell walks, sprinkling wffch a weed-killer is much the best method of killing weeds at this season. LIST OP DAHLIAS. Tho following paeony-flowered dahlias, arranged in. about their order of merit, should be suitable for planting:—Gorgeous, bright sun-flower yellow; Geisha, scarlet and yellow; Holman Hunt, dark velvety crimson; Lady Maud, light pink, Getieral Botha, purest wbita; Waiotahi, golden apricot; Beatrice May, i'awny buff; Lord Kitchener, brilliant red; Orangeman. rich orange; Redman, copper, shading to red; Admiral Hood, yellow and scarlet, very distinct; Liberty, splendki scarlet; Miss Gordon, pale yellow; Genera] Joffre, rich wine colour; La Franco, light pink, true form. In addition to the above there are several now soediings that aro most promising. Collarette Dahlias. These are becoming extremely popular for garden decoration and cutting, use twelve best varieties consisting of the following :—Obi, deep crimson-scarlet-yellow colour; Autumn Tints, reddish-oraaajjo-yellow colour; Erinine. purest whiw; Geant de Lyon, crimson-maroon, very large; Bullfinch, most brilliant scarle, superb; Jessamine, a distinct shade cV lilac-white colour; Ariel, cream striped and flaked vermillion; Canary Queen, deep yellow; Doris, rose pink; Skerynore, scarlet and gold; Taurus, maroon-white colour, very large; Warspite, dark crimsonyellow colour; Regularity, purplish-crim-son colour, tipped white.

FBEPABING VINE BOBDERS. There are few fruiting plants that require more care, in tho preparation of the soil, than young vines, and few that result in more failures when proper attention is not given to their requirements. The preparation of the borders in. which they are to be placed is ono of the most important matters in the cultivation of the vinej for no matter how skilled the operator Or the amount of attention bestowed upon the inside treatment success cannot be attained if the vines are planted and grown in soil that is nnsuited to their needs. But although tho importance of this matter has been frequently mentioned some growers still fail to make such preparation when planting, as will ensure success when the vines arrive at the fruiting stage. All experienced grape-growers know that the best results are only obtained when the vines are growing in soils that are congenial to healthy root growth, consequently the preparation of the soil is of the first importance. The amount of preparation required will depend upon the quality and depth of tho soil, situation, etc. Growers must, of course, be guided by circumstances, as the soils vary in character and their adaptability for the vines. The soil best suited for the vine is a rich sandy loam, with sufficient gritty matter to keep it open and porous, and with a depth of about two feet, and it must be provided with free outlet for surplus moisture. No border need bo more than two feet in depth, so long as the roots have unlimited room to extend outward.

The Depth of Borders. Deep made borders only encourage the roots to penetrate deep down, the result being soft, pithy, unripencd growth which is often followed by mildew, while it is the chief cause of tho fruit failing to colour. This is particularly noticeable when vines are growing in soils of a solid

stiff nature. In such soils they are nuist deceptive, particularly to the amattu* grower, as they often produce strong vigorous shoots, hut in almost every instance the wood is soft and full of pith, which rarely ripen properly, the result being that the difficulties above-mentioned are met with. Vines i on the other hand, when rooting near the surface are always-* more healthy, more easily managed, and productive .of much finer arid better fruit. Die vines will not root deeply if they can find plenty of agreeable soil, and space to extend, near tho surface. Tho roots love heat and moisture, and if not obtainable ncor tho surface they naturally search for it in deeper soil, when trouble soon follows. In preparing the soil for planting only a portion of the border should be prepared the first season, five to six feet being sufficient, and this should be don© some time before planting to allow th* soil to sweeten before the vines are put in. The next season the border should bo extended another four to six feet, according to tho growth made. By doing this the roots will have tho freshly-prepared soil and will derive the full benefit from it before tho material used has lost its strength.

Sub-soils and Manures. In cases where the sub-soil is composed of Btiff cold clay the safest method is to cover the bottom of the border with concrete or asphalt to prevent tho roots from penetrating such soil. This additional expense when making the border i? very small compared to the building of expensive houses and risking failure. Thei quantity and class of manures required in. making the borders will depend upon tho quality of the soil. If the soil is of a free gritty nature crushed bones, lime, and a reasonable amount of well decomposed manure will be sufficient. In soil of a more retentive nature more gritty matter must be added, such as iime, coarse sand, charcoal, or brick nibble, together with crushed bones, and well rotted manure. The too free use of stable manure, however, in preparing the border is by no means advisable as better results can be attained by occasionally top-dress-ing with good stable manure during the growing ssa-jon, as by this means not onlv is surface root-growth encouraged but a protected by the mulch during dry weather.

THE GREENHOUSE. Special attention should! now be given to all plants that will aiisist in keeping up a display of flowers during the autumn and winter months.. With the decay of such profuse flowering plants as tuberous begonias, gloxinias, and others some difficulty is always experienced in keeping up a reasonable display. Plants, in fact, that axe bnt little valced daring the summer are folly appreciated when in flower at this time; but although the same display of flowers can scarcely be replaced by winter-flowering plants thero are many iiree-flowering varieties that make a fine display when well grown and interspersed among foliage plants, notably cyclamens, Primula sinensis and obconia, shrubbery begonia and various other varieties. The removal of so many summer flowering plants, howevar, will afford more space for thei more liender varieties, allowing the plants more light and son, while the treatment in regard to moisture 'can be better regulated. One of the most important matters in the treatment of tender plants during the cold weather is to so regulate the moisture, both of the soil and the temperature, that the soil never becomes sodden, giving only sufficient water to keep the plants from wilting. The plots, too, should be kept thoroughly clean and have free drainage

Arrangements fox Cool Weather, AH shade should be removed m dolt weather and at evening an hour before tiie sun leaves the house. From this time onward any watering noeded should be given in the morning instead of in the evening. In potting plants at this season plenty of material for draining should be placed in the bottom of the pots. This not only provides for free outlet fo» surplus moisture but allows free access for air, which is essential, for healthy roofc action. After potting, and until fresh, roots are made, water must be very carefully applied, watering only when the plants are in need of it., but in no caso while the soil is already wet. As the temperature deensases and less ventilation is given, more moisture is retained and less watering is required. As the winter approaches the whole of the plants should be gone over and all dead leaves removed, and the soil around the surface of the pots loosen ed, ox if necessary removed and be replaced with good fresh soiL See that all pots are weQ provided with, free drainage as nothing destroys the health of plants more quickly than badly drained pots. The whole of the house, too, will be benefited by a good overJiaul - the benches, and the whole of the woodwork, as well as the pot 3, being thoroughly scrubbed and made clean. «iThe plants, too, will be benefited by being rearranged, changing their positions to produce the best effect.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. " Early Bird," ' Leigh.—A well-sheltered, northerly aspect should be very suitable for the cultivation of early crops. You co noli mention, however, whether the land is liabla to severe frosts; ii not, ißaxiy potatoes art one of the most profitable crops to grow, aa they always command a ready sale at high prices Well-grown cabbage and cauliflowei! axe always in demand in early spring and b.ring good prices. Early peas are one ot th«J mo3t prized of early vegetables- and sell readily. Lettuce, broad beans, leeks, and early-grown onions meet with ready sale. In addition to the above root crops,, such aa beet, carrots, parsnips, etc. providing tho soil has been well and deeplv worked, can be grown for early market. In very warm situations early-grown marrowa are a profitable crop. For late crops cabbage, lettuce, Seas. French and runner beans, beet, umaras. tomatoes., water and pie melons, aa well as pumpkins, generally, command a ready sale. In growing any kind of crop it is neceesarv that tho ground be thoroughly well worked and nxanui-ed and that the ground be kept well cultivated during their growth. E.M.. ifaiamania.—"Winter majetin is the name of the apple that you. have sent two inferior and undersized fruits to identify. The tree is aphis-resistant, and was largely used as a etock to work ether varieties upon when aphis»resistant stocks first came into use. It is a very late-keeper, of poor quality. The tree is erratic in its bearing ■»nd not worth growing now that there are so ■nany superior kinds to choose from. rKenvierley's May, a seedlins from Winter v ; ajetin, supersedes the parent in the. growth at the tree, regular cropping, and size and •uality of its fruits, and is an equally late,V, >eper and worth growin.r for Ha hardiness .v,■.<■! late-keeping qualities.

V .M.. Kowick.—"Name of seal© that is upon k s.t ?a and steins of Hoya carnosa ia the in; n or black scale of the olive (Lecanium olw .■>. This scale is attacked by a fungus. as ..idicated by the white circle that has srrvmded some of the scales and effectually eeai.i ! it down and prevented the escape of the M'lmerous progeny from their cover. In time his fundus will lall out the ecale. Artifi.\ 'I remedies are brushing the leaves and bV'qs with Gishurat's compound, firtree oil. :>r red oil. The white specks on the leaves nva harmless and easily spuns-ed off. W.R.I) . Te Awanitjlta.—Tacsonia Van Vokeniu (crimson, Quick- growing, and very showy, w h pendant flowers), also Bisnonia chirera i ::ccedin«ly pretty, with scarlet flowers), a.-- about the best two varieties of climbers tci covering vrest «do of your verandah. 7 .ley will continue blooming for a conaiderablt. time, and are evergreens. Teooma capensis is also suitable for the purpose. The name of berry is Lawtorj, a, bramble, with veiy iaree luscious fruits, not Laxton berry, as you have spelt it. Plants aro usually stocked by nurserymen. This berry is not superior to the Loganberry. Spraying -with black leaf 40 or Gishurst'e compound will kill tho green fly on celery plants. Two or three applications are necessary at short intervaJa.

T. S.. Remuera. — Carica papaya* the common papaw, is much too tender to withstand our winters, and only suitable for greenhouse culture.

" Koundabout,' Te Kaawhata.—Apple to name and sample* to hand. It is either a v«;ry old variety that hasi gone out of cultivation hero or probably a seedling. The latter is most likely. From the quality and also your description of its bearing Qualities, good habit of growth and handsome appearance, also late season of ripening, it should be well worth growing and perpetuating ae a market and home orchard apple. The rkamnus, the fruits of which possess violent purgative qualitiias, ia not obtainable here. The cascara medicine usied as a tonic and laxative ia obtained from the bark of an American species of cinchona. The bilberry (Vaecinium myrtillus) would succeed in our colder districts. The cranberry, Oxycoccua macrocarous, and palustrio. also Vaccmmr.i vitus-idiea (the cow berry): The formar should succeed on marshy, peaty Jwamp* The cow berry, or vine o!! Mount Ida. shotJa thrive here. Re Ballsirat seedling- »PPj° : ,i? ia a lame late apple, useful for either toteff, 11 or dc-esert. and one of the best for conunu> cial purposes and the home orchard- ■J-" tree is a strong, uprisht B rower regular cropper, a stan<lard vanesy. variety is largely grown in the.^ ov ° r '/ ne of district, where it has Proved the best and most profitable Utew,. It is o£ the largest size and of &**']££<». A ance. and is & good keeiwr. v: , i