SEASONABLE NOTES.

Otago Witness, Volume 06, Issue 1986, 6 March 1890, Page 9

SEASONABLE NOTES.

Octdoob 'Flowers.— Sunflowers are very prominent objects now in many gardens. They make striking backgrounds, but should always be, placed at. a distance from the windowß, as they overpower when too near. The small* flowered perennial varieties are effeotive border plants. Perhaps at this moment there is no more effeotive plant for grouping in the border or, on the lawn than the white Japanese anemone. When well supplied with water, with an occasional soaking of liquid manure, the growth attains to an unusual development, Sedum Bpectabiliß is a "very effeotive plant for autumn flowering, lasting in blossom a long time, and is well adapted for the town garden; and thoao who havo no garden may cultivate it on the balcony or in t bo window, as it thrives well in a pot or vaso. Annuals which have done flowering should now be cleared away, and their places filled with early-flowering chrysanthemums which have been brought on in si reserve border. Beds or borders near the windows should be always kept gay with a constant succession of flowering plants, special attention being given to thoßO having fragrance. The beautiful autumnal flowering haidy amaryllis (Stern bergia lutea) may be transplanted now, as may also the colchioums or autumn- flowering crocus. We have removed them when in bloom, but it will be belter to do bo oarlier. It will soon.ba time to think. of ordering the bulbs for planting in the beds and borders when the bedding plants are over, Foremost among these are the daffodils in many forms, snowdrops', crocuses, hyacinths, and tulips are among the best for filling beds. It is refreshing to see large patohes of snowdrops and daffodils peeping out round the edges and marginß of the shrubbery, In such posi tioas they may be planted and permitted to remain as joys for ever. 'The small golden crocus looks pretty in September when dotted about the lawn in the grass. Crocuses and snowdrops may be planted among the grasß with a dibble in patches. It will Boon be time to dig up any tender bedding plant one may wish to save through the winter, not so muoh because frost severe enough to injure them may come just yet, as to enable them to get established in the pots before the short days arrive. Shrpbbeby.— Transplant evergreens of all kinds, fixing the plants firmly iv the soil and securing them against wmd- waving. Keep the roots well supplied with water. Syringe the foliage of any choice speoimen to check evaporation and reduce the demand upon the roots. Cuttings of evergreen trees and shrubs may be put in now. Common things, such as laurels and box- trees, will do in a shady border, but choice things must have glass. Ivies are among tho most valuable decorative subjects, especially to the town gardener. They may be used to cover unsightly walls or buildings, or to add beauty and finish to the bare trunks of trees, or to clothe with living verdure the bare earth beneath, where nothing else will thrive. In the parterre the compact growth of the variegated varieties, and some of the green-leaved sorts also, are well adapted to form edgings to beds and borders, Cuttings from Gin to Bin long, planted firmly half their length in the ground, will root and attain to some useful size in the course of next summer.

Conbbbvatobt,— Continue the potting of bulbs for early forcing, using good rich soil in tho case of hyacinths, scattering a little sand around the base of the bulbs. The common deffodil forces easily, and those haviog a large stock of bulbs may if they wish pot five bulbs in each 6in pot for early flowering in the conservatory. If required for cut flowers only, plant them thickly in boxes. Plunge all bulbs in a bed of coal-ashes, for a month or six weeks till roots are formed, when they may be brought into a cool frame preparatory to foroing. This is a good season to renew .the* soil in the pots of roses intended to bo forced, either shifting them into larger pots or by the removal . of i as^ muoh of the surface as possible, filling in with rioh compost pressed down firmly. ; Hardy Fruits.— Gather stone fraits as soon as they will part from the stalk. To allow them to fall will bruise and injure their keeping, and in the case of the peach would spoil it for dessert. Trees grafted this season will require attention to prevent the wind blowing the grafts out. The uaual thing is to ; tie a s*ake first to the Btock below the point of union securely, and thon attach the grafts to it. In most cases careful men will have done this work earlier ; but, if not attended to now,, the autumn gales will dislodge the grafts, and ;the season's work will be lost, and no possibility of making good defects till next spring. The removal of all old useless trees from walls and espaliers, or elsewhere in garden or orchard, should receive serious attention, for it is incumbent on everybody to do everything possible, both for the sake of our own proit and as an example to others, to keep our collection of fruit trees in a healthy, fertile condition. Any tree whioh fails to bear good fruits should be removed, and a better tree planted in its place. There ought always to be young trees coming on, and then there would be fower unsightly blanks on walls and espaliers, Vinery. — Those thinking of building a vinery should now prepare their plans ami consult their builders. It must be a^ariouslyconetructed place, provided there be light enough, if grapes will not grow in it j and supposing there be pitch enough to carry off the water, the grapea will keep well for some time after they are ripe. Where there is only one house for the growth of grapes and flowers, when it is necessary to house the plants the grapes may be out, and tho piece of wood on which the bunch hangs inserted in a bottle of water, and placed on a rack so that the bunch hangs clear of everything. Grapes will keep in a cool room as long as anyone will require to keep them.