The Garden.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 993, 13 March 1891, Page 21

The Garden.

BULB PLANTING. The autumn is the best season to plant liardy bulbs, because they have an opportunity to become thoroughly established before spring comes. During the late autumn they put forth roots and prepare for the work of the coining spring, and when that season arrives they are in the proper condition to gi-ow and produce flowers, which would not be tho case if they were not planted till spring. It is true that spring-planted bulbs often bloom quite well, but it is always at the expense of vitality. Tho development of roots and flowers takes place at about tho same time, and tlie demand made on the vital strength of the bulb is too much for it to stand without permanent injury. The flowers will not be so large and fine tlio first season, nor after that. Bulbs can be set any time up to the coming of cold weather, with good results, but it is better to give them time to put forth and complete tho development of the roots beforo winter is at hand. Tlie essentials of success in the culture of this class of plants are : First, a well drained location ; second, a light, rich soil; third, proper planting, and last but not least by any means, good stock. It is imperatively necessary that the bed in which you plant bulbs should be drained well. If it is not possible to draw surplus water away from about their roots, do not attempt to grow them, for you will surely fail with them. Your labour and money will be wasted.

It is possible to drain almost any location sufficiently by excavating the bed to the depth of a foot or two, putting in material which will not settle firmly together, like broken bricks, stones, and so forth, something which will hold up the soil taken from the bed when returned to it, with cracks and crevices between through which the water can run dowu and away, to the depth of at least eight inches, and ten would be better, after which the soil which was dug out can be put back, adding to it a liberal quantity of old manure. Tho older and more rotten it is the better it will suit the plants. If the original soil is of only ordinary richness, you can safely add one quarter manure. If the soil is heavy or stiff, it is well to add some sharp sand, as this will help to make it porous, thus facilitating early drainage in spring. Have the centre of tho bed at least six inches higher than the ground about it, so that the water from melting snow and early rain will run off. Do not take up your bulbs each season after they have done blooming. Many seem to think it necessary to do this, but bucli is not the case. Leave them in the beds until you know by the appearance of young plants about tho old ones that the bulbs have increased considerably in number. Then, after the plants have completed their spring growth and ripened, which is shown by the turning yellow and dropping of the leaves, take them up, separato them, and keep them in a dry, cool place till fall, when they can be planted again, keeping the young, strong bulbs apart from the old ones which will have become exhausted by several seasons of flowering.

THE GREENHOUSE. PRUNING OF GRAPE VINES,

Autumn pruning of the grape vine is better than spring for young or tender varieties, which aro to be protected through tho winter ; but early spring is preferable for the largo standard varieties. The time to prune is anywhere between the falling oE the leaves and the swelling of the buds. Grape vines that are not protected during the winter do much better with their wood on, and then in the spring they may be pruned more intelligently. If the cold has affected any of the shoots or branches, they may be cut off, and the whole work done with a view to make the vines produce the most. Nothing but experience can teach cna the best method of pruning, but the first, lesson is to learn not to attempt to do it in a hurry. The vines should be looked over first, aud find out whether any of the older vines show signs of having fiuished their work aud have become bare of fruit spurs aud bearing wood. This should first be removed to make more room for the healthy ones. A young vine seldom shoots out from an old stalk without some cause, and it ia pretty sure sign that the old one has lost all its vigour and the young one is appropriating it all to itself.

The object in pruming is to encourage the young, strong shoots all that is possible, and everything should be done with this object in view. After removing all the dead wood and weak fruit spurs aud branches, then begin on those that are Isft. Cut the weakest back to one bud, and the strong ones to three buds. The very young, strong branches may not be cut back so far as this, unless there is not sufficient room for them to grow and develop in. The let alone system of grape growing ia not profitable in this day, when large, perfectly matured fruit sells best and brings in the profits. In a short time the grape vines will become a perfect wildernes of vines, fruits, slender laterals and leaves, Suoh vines produce bunches of grapes by the thousands, but they are always small and imperfectly ripened, the vines divide their substance among so many branches and laterals that vigorous branches requisite for the production of fine fauit cannot get a good start nor sufficient nourishment. Such vinca are practically weak, and mildew and rot always seize them first. There is only one way to remedy this, and that is by regular aud systematic annual pruning. The vineyardlat who allows his vines to go another year without pruning them is injuring his own prospects, and taking money out of his own pocket. Riune annually, carefully and intelligently. Thsre is more danger _o£ not pruning enough when widely done than

of pruning too little. A few strong healthy vines will yield more than a great, many poor, weak ones. When this work is supplemented by summer pruning, rubbing of surplus shoots, pinching off laterals, and cleaning out the centre of the vines, one may well look forward to a good vineyard. Winter protection for young shoots is also necessary..—George E. Welsh in American Cultivator.

WELLINGTON HORTICULTURAL AND FLORISTS’ SOCIETY'S AUTUMN SHOW.

Patron : 3is Excellency the Right Hon the Earl of Onslow. President : Air J. Duthie, M.H.R. Vice-Presidents: Mr W. H. Levin and Air T. K. Macdonald, M.H.R. Committee: Messrs L. G. Reid (chair* man), W. Jay, A. McKay, W. H. Taylor, D. N. Wilkinson, J. J. ICerslake, F. Wills, W. Phillips, T. Bosher, J. W. Ward, R. Triggs, R. Clark. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer i Mr Herbert C, Pilcher.

The very peculiar mixed specimens of weather experienced in this district for the last three months wrought much havoc to fruit. flower, and vegetable gardens. Amateur gardeners have been at their wit’s end to make a presentable show for their tables, while even professional gardeners cf long experience have had a difficult task before them of keeping their gardens up to an average standard. There were some misgivings, a few weeks back, that the quality and quantitly of likely exhibits for the Aatnuin Siiow ot the Horticultural and Florists’ Society would net be up to an exhibition average. But to the surprise of visitors to the Skating Rink yesterday week those misgivings have been, fortunately misplaced, for a liner Show ha 3 never been before seen in this city at this time of the year, the queer weather notwithstanding. By the aid of extra efforts, of which the energetic Secretary, Mr H. 0. Pilcher, took a lion’s share, the Show was ia shipshape condition at the official hour of opening. The number of exhibits exceeded the estimate, and spacious as is the floor of the Rink, there is no room to spare. A first stroll round the Rink reveals a most charming sight. Oa either hand are masses of bloom of most varied tints, while the centre is stacked with rare specimens of most beautiful foliage, with here and there strange plants of far-off lands. At the far end are groups of vegetables and delicious arrays of most tempting fruit, while the mixed perfume of posies, peaches, and sweetly-scented pot plants rivals the odours of the perfumer’s art. One happy thought was struck in Mr Reiehardt’s offer of music prizes for the best baud bouquets arranged by the children of our local schools. From Petone to Newtown almost each school sent competitors, and the specimens tabled show that a love of flowers and some ideas of the powers of grouped colours, exists amongst our rising generation. Not, however, in every case is the grouping correct. The art of bouquetmaking is a fine one, and as yet the exhibitors have not gone much past the art of graceful bunching—far different from an artistic point of view to bouquet construction. However, the children have done remarkably well, and their over 200 exhibits is a very creditable show. The show of vegetables is a remarkable ore, not so much for extravagant sizing as for general excellence of quality. The number of exhibits is small. Of potatoes there are some very fine delicate skinned, well fleshed kidneys, and very fair round one 3, none, however, of any extraordinary growth. Peas and beans are few in number, and none of them of any extraordinary quality. Onions are more largely shown, some of extra large size, but oE a most irregular shape. The symmetrical brown Spanish, which is grown in most perfect shape in some countries, is rarely met with out here, and onion growers seem to depend more on quantity than quality. The several groups of vegetables show some fine growth with choice specimens of their varied classes. Mr C. J. Johnston shows a brace of very fine cucumbers, while Air F. Cooper exhibits some of a more diminutive growth in company with a couple of pots of Chili plants bearing ripe pods. The show of fruit is a grand one. Magnificent kitchen or cooking apples, clear Bkinned, sound as bells, good shaped, the finest shown coming from Carterton, show that the Wellington province can grow fruit equal to any part of the Southern Hemisphere. From the Hntt also come some very fine apples, pears, and late plums, while peaches from Oriental Bay shown by Air D. Wilkinson are mouth-watering in all their velvet beauty. On a centre table are varied exhibits of amateur grown fruit, ranging from late gooseberries and strawberries to splendid purple grapes and tiny mandarins. One prominent exhibit was the stand of grapes shown by Air Wilkinson, of Oriental Bay. He had no fewer than a dozen varieties, comprising six black and six green kinds. Of the black there were fine specimens of Muscot Ilambro, Black Hambro, Trentham Black, Lady Downe’s Seedling, Aladreafield Court, and Ullied. Of the green varieties there were the Duchess ofßuccleueh, Duke of Buccleuch, Syreon, Buekland’s Sweet Water, Aluscat Alexandra. The hunches were magnificient specimens, one of the Black Hambro’s weighing ol'o and one of the Duchess of Buccleuch 3.Ufas. All*. Wilkinson, who is one of the most successful vine growers in the province has had a grand crop this season. His vines looking remarkably healthy and of full growth. The display of cut flowers and pot plants is a most meritorious one. Special mention is due to some very fine plants of tuberous begonias in flower, with rare tinted blooms, showing a very hea thy growth. Amongst the curiosities is a fine double sunflower exhibited by Miss Clarice Gibson, of Levy street, and a choice specimen of the pink flowering’eucalyptus brought by Mr R. C. Hamerton from Taranaki. The pot plants to be offered for sale were procured from Mr Woodger, of Alolesworth street. Mr John Duthie, M.H.R., gave a special prize for the best table bouquet arranged by

a lady relative of a member of the Society. This prizes has been won by Alias Alice Cooper, who is to be congratulated upon the artistic effect she has produced. Aliss AlcNab comes next in merit, and Aliss Heighton a very close third. Taken as a whole the show ia oertaiuly the finest the Society has over held at this time of the year, and the exhibits show that a love of gardening is not extinct. About 1100 visitors were present yesterday, aud in the evening Minifie’s string baud enlivened the proceedings. The following is the priza-Hst : POT PLANTS.

Open Class.—Judges : Messrs Fred. Cooper, H. R. Illinan and Geo. Gibb—Specimen plant, in flower—Mrs J. Johnston, 1 ; A. AlcKay, 2 ; Airs Burn, 3. Three foliage plants, variegated —Airs Bums, 1 ; A. AlcKay, 2. Three foliage plants, not variegated—A., AlcKay, 1; Airs Burns, 2 ; Airs J. Johnston, 3. Three greenhouse plants, in flower —A. AlcKay, 1; Airs Burns, 2; W, H. Taylor, 3. Three evergreen begonias, in flower—C. Johnston, 1. Three coleu3 —Mr E. Johnstoo, 1; Airs Burns, 2. Three begonias, foliage—W. H, Taylor, 1 ; Mrs Burns, 2. Three begonias, tuberous,in flower, single variegated—Mrs Burns, 1. Six begonias, tuberous, in flower, single variegated—Mrs Burns, 1, Three begonias, tuberous,in flower, double variegated—Mrs Burns, 1. Three gloxinias—Mrs Burns, 1. Six gloxinias Mrs Burns, 1. Three achimenes—Mr Jay, 1. Three petunias —A. AlcKay. 1. Four exotic ferns — A. AlcKay, 1; Mrs Burns, 2; C. Johnston, 3. Six Native ferns—G. J. Taylor, 1 ; A. McKay, 2. One orchid—Airs Burns, 1. Three fuchsias —C. Johnston, 1. Four zonale geraniums— Mrs Burns, 1 ; Mrs C. Johnston, 2. Special prize for group of greenhouse plants to cover 60 feet super—J. Earland, 1; A. McKay, 2 ; Mrs McDonald, 3; W. H. Taylor, highly commended. Special prize for a collection, tuberous begonias—Airs Burns, 1; A. McKay, 2. Amateur Class.—Specimen plant in flower— H. C. Young, 1; Ellie Clayton, 2. Two foliage plants, variegated—Eva Dixon, 1; H. C. Young, 2; W. Phillips, 3, Two foliage plants, not variegated—T. K. Macdonald, 1 ; 11. C. Young, 2. Two begonias, tuberous, in flower—T. K. Macdonald, 1; W. Phillips, 2. Two begonias, foliage—T. K. Macdonald, 1 ; H. C. Young, 2 ; W. Phillips, 3. Two coleus —F. Wills, 1; W. Phillips, 2; H. C. Young, 3. Two exotic ferns—T. K. Macdonald, 1 : Mrs Wills, 2 ; W. Phillips, 3. Three native ferns—F. Wills, 1 ; H. C. Young, 2. Two achimenes—H. C. Young. CUT FLOWERS. Open Class.—Judges : W. Jay, T. Bosher, W. H. Taylor—Liliums, 6 varieties—D. N. Wilkinson, 1; AlcNab, 2. Twelve verbenas, 3 trusses each—N. N. Wilkinson, 1 ; Air Moorliouse, 2. Twelve double zinnias—lt. AlcNab, 1 ; F. Cooper, 2. Twelve Phlox Drummondi (annuals) —R. AlcNab, 1; Wilkinson, 2. Twelve Dianthus (Japan pink)— It. McNab, 1. Twelve Antirrhinums, not more than 3 spikes each—J. Earland, 2. Twelve asters, not less than 6 varieties—R. McNab, 1; F. Cooper, 2. Twelve gladioli, not less than 6 varieties—Wilkinson, 1. Twelve dahlias, distinct named varieties —It. McNab, 1; Wilkinson, 2. Collection of dahlias, single and double—R. McNab, 1 ; Wilkinson, 2. Six stocks, not less than 3 varieties—McNab, 1; Wilkinson, 2, Six roses, distinct named

varieties—Airs H.D.Belt, 1; AlcNab,2. Twelve marigolds, got less than 6 varieties—AlcKay, 1; McNab, 2. Collection of cut flowers— McNab, 1. Amateur Class.—Six pansies, show—C. J. Hill, 1; W. C. Young, 2. Six pansies, fancy —C. J. Hill, 1 ; F. Wills, 2. Six carnations and picotees, .3 each W. Jones, 1 ; W. Phillips, 2. Six phlox drummondi, distinct varieties—W. C. Young, 1 ; Hazelwoed, 2. Six dianthus (Japan pink)—Hazelwood, 1. Six asters, not less than 3 varieties—W. C. Young, 1; W. Phillips, 2. Six gladioli, not less than 3 varieties—lt. Clark, 1. Three roses, distinct varieties—Hazelwood, 1 ; no name, 2. Collection of cut flowers, grown by exhibitor— W. Phillip, 1; W. C. Young, 2. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Open Class.—Judges: W. Bramley, A. McKay, N. Wilton—Twelve kitchen apples, 1 variety—J. Blomquist, 1 ; R. AlcNab, 2; F. Cooper, 3. Twelve dessert apples—J. Blomquist, 1; R. AlcNab, 2 ; F. Cooper, 3. Six pears—W. 11. Taylor, 1; Mr Morehouse, 2. Twelve plums—W. S. Prior, I; R. McNab, 2 : W. H. Taylor, 3. Twelve peaches—D. Wilkinson, 1; R. McNab, 2; J. Nelscn, 3. Two bunches white grapes —W. Jay anl D. Wilkinson equal. Two bunches black grapes. Jay, 1; D. Wilkinson, 2 ; W. Taylor, 3. One bunch of grapes—D. Wilkinson, 1; W. Jay, 2; W. H. Taylor, 3. One dessert melon—C. Duncan, 1 ; Mr Hunter, 2. One tray of ftuit, not exceeding 3ft x 2ft—R. AlcNab, 1; D. Wilkinson, 2. Special prize offered for best collection of fruit, not less than 40 varieties — R. AlcNab, 1; D. Wilkinson, 2; J. Blomquist, 3; C. Duncan, 4. Two cucumbers, 1 variety—Mrs Johnston, 1. Twenty-five kidney beans, dwarf, 1 variety—Mr Morehouse, 1 ; L. Gwilliam, 2; W. Jay, 3. Twentyfive kidney beans, runners, 1 variety Air Alorehouse, 1; Nelson, 2. Fifty pods peas —W. Jay, 1; Air Alorehouse, 2 ; G. Taylor, 3. Twelve potatoes, round—F. Cooper, 1 ; L. Gwilliam, 2 ; T. Bramley, 3. Twelve potatoes, kidney T. Bramley, 1; L. Gwilliam, 2. Three cabbages—F. Cooper, 1; W. H. Taylor, 2 ; T. Bramley; 3. Three red cabbages—F. Cooper, 1 ; L. Gwilliam, 2. Six turnips— L. Gwilliam, 1; T. Bramley, 2; F. Cooper, 3. Six carrots —Mr Morehouse, 1 ; R. AlcNab, 2; W. Jay, 3. Six parsnips—L. Gwilliam, 1. Six rhubarb—F. Cooper, 1; Airs D. T. Stuart, 2; W. H. Taylor, 3. Three heads celery L. Gwilliam, 1. Three red beet L. Gwilliam, 1 ; Air Morehouse, 2 ; T. Bramley, 3. Three let tuce—Airs Burne, 1; W. H. Taylor, 2 ; G. Taylor, 3. Twelve onions (by weight) —W. H. Taylor, 1; J. Earland, 2. Twelve onions (keeping)—W. Jay, 1; J. Staples, 2 R. McNab, 3. Twelve tomatoes —E. Cooper, 1; W. H. Taylor, 2; R. McNab, 3. One pumpkin (by weight)—L. Gwilliam, 1; W. H. Taylor, 2; F. Cooper, 3. Two vegetable marrows—F. Cooper, 1; W. H. Taylor, 2; T. Bramley, 3. Collection of vegetables, tray not to exceed 4ft by 3ft Gin ; not less than twelve varieties, not more than four of each sort —L. Gwilliam, 1 ; T. Bramley, 2. Amateur Class.—Six kitchen apples, one variety—F. Wills, 1; Mrs Macdonald, 2. Six desert apples—Mrs Macdonald, 1. _ Four pears—F. Wills, 1. Six peaches —F. Wills, 1. Twenty-four blackberries —Airs Alacdonald, _ 1 ; W. Phillips, 2. Two cucumbers —W. Phillips, 1. Twelve kidney beaDs, dwarf —W. Jones, 1 ; W. Phillips, 2. Twelve kidney beans, runners —Needham, 1; Hazlewood, 2. Twenty-four pods peas—W, Jones, 1; MrsD. T, Stuart, 2, ■

Six potatoes, round—Hazelwood, 1; W. Phillips, 2. Six potatoes, kidney—W. Phillips, 1. Two cabbages—Hazelwood, 1 ; Airs D. T. Stuart, 2. Six turnips—Airs D. T. Stuart, 1. Six carrots—S. Alpe, 1; Airs Stuart, 2. Six onions, keeping—S. Staples, 1;E. T. Taylor, 2. Six onions, by weight—Phillips, 1; Needham, 2. Six tomatoes —E. T. Taylor, 1 : Needham, 2. One pumpkin, by weight—W. Phillips, 1 ; Needhaui, 2. Two vegetable marrows—Needham, 1; \W Jones, 2. BOUQUETS Open Class.—Vase of flowers, for table—Aliss Heighton, 2 ; E. B. AlcKay, 3. Hand bouquet, not to exceed 9in. in diameter —Miss A. Cooper, 1; Aliss Heighton, 2; Miss Salmon, 3. Bridal bouquet—Miss Cooper, 2; E. B. AlcKay, 3. Mr Duthie's special table bouquet; size, not more than 12in, nor less than 9in in diameter, exclusive of foliage Aliss A. Cooper, 1; Aliss AlcNab, 2; Aliss Heighton, 3. Amateur Class.—One hand bouquet, not to exceed 9in.—Aliss L. Lockie, 1; Airs F. Wills, 2; H. C. Young, 3. One bridal bouquet—Airs F. Wills, 1. Two dress bouquets, for ladies— Airs F. Wills, 1 ; M. A. Heighton, 2; N. Wilkinson, 3. Two buttonhole bouquets, for gentlemen—Aliss Dorsett, 1; Mr 3F. Wills, 2. Reichardt’s special prize for children’s bouquets —Jessie Seed, High School, 1; Jessie Baird, Terrace School, 2; K. Heighton, Thorndon Schcol, 3. Special Prizes Bouquets, 3s each or value in music.—E. AI. Alills, Alount Cook School ; Annie Bishop, Clyde quay ; M. Scott, Willis street; J. AI. Horne, Petone School; 4s each, or value in music—Alaud Salmon, St. Francis Xavier’s; Rose Whitehead, Lower Hutt,

The flower show at the Skating Rink has proved most successful, there being a large attendance during Friday, while in the evening the building was crowded. Air T. Kennedy Macdonald, M.H.R., officiated as auctioneer, and offered the various exhibits sent in for that purpose for sale, the prices realised being particularlygood. Among the fruit may be mentioned a quantity of very fine apples shown by Air Blomquist, twelve of them weighing lllbs. The piano usod at the show was very kindly leut by the Dresden Piano Company. The Secretary informs ns that the financial resnlt of the Show is highly satisfactory. On the first evening about £23 was taken at the doors, and Friday right about £26. To be added to these amounts there is an item of about £5, proceeds of auction sales. The total will be sufficient to pay off the £2O which the Society was in debt over the last Show, and give a small balance to credit, which will be carried forward towards the funds of the Chrysanthemum Show which the Society intends to hold in the Rink on the 24th and 25th April.

The largest cargo of wool yet shipped in a sailing vessel from Sydney, left that port last week for London, in the large ship Lancaster Caßtle. She took away 10,207 bales of wool.