CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20229, 13 April 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

BLOOMS FOR SHOW. Chrysanthemums are now in the zenith cf their glory and reign supreme over nil late-flowerng plants. To be successful in the cultivation of tho plants for the production of show blooms and to attain the highest achievements necessitates constant care and attention from the planting of the struck cuttings or rooted suckers until tho full development of tho blooms. There is a fascination in their cultivation. The amateur has equal chances with the professionals as he usually has more time to devote to their cultural requirements. Growers are looking forward with tho keenest interest to tho annual show which is arranged to take place on Thursday and Friday next. Judging by tho number of intending exhibitors and the condition of the plants and flowers this show promises, to compare more than favourably with previous exhibitions. The present is a critical time in tho treatment of the flowers. To protect them from both rains and dews, covers must be provided. Tho blooms must be kept perfectly free from blemishes and any moisture soon tarnishes the petals—a serious defect in showing. The flowers are also liablo to be injured by rubbing against the stalks. To guard against this they must be carefully tied out. Withold all manurial watering at this stage, as stimulants affect the blooms by causing them to damp before properly opening. The blooms, if necessary, may be picked several davs before the show as they villi keep perfectly for some time. RENOVATING LAWNS. TOP-DRESSING AND LEVELLING The autumn is the best time for topdressing and renovating lawns tho grass of which has become thin and patchy, and also for filling up any inequalities in the surface. No matter how well the work maV have been done at first subsidences usually take place where deep fillings were made, consequently the whole surface needs to bo gone over and relevelled. A top-dressing of good surface soil that is free from weeds will, with the addition of suitable fertilisers, form a good compost. When this is properly applied so as to fill up all inequalities an even and level surface will again be produced in readiness for tho sowing of fresh seed, which must bo raked v\ell »n .?nd afterwards rolled ■ • ATTENTION TO OLDER LAWNS. In tho case of old lawns where the ■ward has become thin and patchy and overgrown with moss and weeds, renovation may be effected by the application of a good rich top-dressing to the depth of about lin. A good dressing of lime or super slag should bo added to the compbst. and the whole raked well in Nutriment derived from such dressings by the old grass and an additional sowing of new seed will bring the sward into good condition. Older lawns that have become unsightly with bad weeds and coarse-growing grasses should have the whole surface deeply dug or trenched to bury tho weeds. This work should be done early in the summer. By being well dug or trenched and left with a rough surface the sun and air will act upon and sweeten the soil and render it fit for forking or lightly digging early in tho autumn. At, Ihe same tune it will eradicate as many of the noxious weeds as possible and relevel and pulverise the surface in readiness for resowing early this month. Both before and after sowing tho surface should ba well rolled

FORMING NEW LAWNS. The formation of new lawns should always lie commenced as early in the autumn as possible to allow the surface to sweeten hy long exposure to the atmosphere. In laying down new lawns the provision of proper drainage is most important, particularly where deep excavations have to he made to produce a level surface or whci'o tho soil is of a clavev nature with a retentive subsoil. The filling immediately on lop of the 'drain pipes should be composed of medium scoria to a depth of about 9in. to carry tho surface water away quickly. Ilep'acing the clay over the pipes is next to useless as the clay soon sets firmly and holds the water. In soils of a light character with a free, open or gravelly subsoil artificial draining is not required. -Another/important matter is lo'save all Ihe good s'til for the surface. Too often the top soil is buried and the poor subsoil brought to the top. When this is done the result is most unsatisfactory. BEAUTIFUL NATIVE Tin®. Soino beautiful specimens of hohir a. populnea (the lace hark tree) are now 3n iull bloom, being covered with' a dense mass of orange-liko blossoms. It is a small-growing, evergreen tree, of symmetrical habit, and distinctive green foliage. It, is very hardy and easily grown, *nd is well worthy of a place in any garden or ornamental shrubbery. Everv endeavour should he made to plant soi/io of tho many varieties of shrubs and small trees that are distinctive in their habit, of growth, and characteristic of our native flora. The different varieties of leptospermum, or are beautiful flowering shrubs. '•With the exception of the variety ericoides, which grows iuto a large-sized, bush-headed tree, of compact habit, they are well suited for medium-sized gardens for planting in the mixed border. There are flmte a .number of kinds, including a double-flowered white. ,