GENERAL OPERATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 7 (Supplement)

GENERAL OPERATIONS

MUCH NEEDED MOISTURE The rainfall at the beginning of the week was hailed with delight by all who are interested in gardening. The moisture penetrated well down in wellworked soils. Many of the plants were suffering for want of moisture. The subsoil had become vory dry from the little rain that had fallen. Consequently the moisture derived from below the surface, even in deeply-worked plots, was negligible. Artificial waterings even at the best are poor substitutes for the natural supply. With the effects of the recent rain and long and more dewy nights, recently sown seeds and shallow-rooting, as well as all other plants, especially bulbs that had already started into growth, have greatly benefited. There is always a risk in planting bulbs very early. The soil may be sufficiently wet at the time to start them into growth, but a dry period following is injurious. With few exceptions the present is a most suitable time for the general planting of most kinds of hardy, earlyflowering bulbs. They start into growth without a check and are less liable to the attack of underground insects and fungoid germs. Conditions are at present most favourable for the bedding out of hardy seedlings and perennials and for sowing a few clumps of hardy annuals, including borders of Virginia stocks. CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW The chrysanthemum show of the Auckland Horticultural Society will take place next Thursday and Friday at the Town Hall. Chrysanthemums will be shown in the highest perfection. As an additional attraction the City ConnCl -i, w i ll s^a 6® a Japanese garden. This will be a novel feature of the exhibition.