JOYS OF GARDENING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17948, 28 November 1932, Page 9

JOYS OF GARDENING

A HEALTHY OCCUPATION EXPRESSION OF INDIVIDUALITY ADDRESS TO ROTARY CLUB Somethingi of the pleasures and health benefits to be derived from gardening was explained to the Gisborne Rotaiy Club at to-day’s luncheon by Mr. N. I. Currie, who gave some valuable hints in regal'd to the preparation of a garden. “Gardening,” he said, “is an occupation adaptable to everybody, young or old rich or poor, and the smallest garden may afford interest and pleasure. Statistics show that those who follow gardening as an occupation are the second longest-lived people, thus proving the benefits to health winch follow from such a calling. The pursuit of gardening is conducive to the health of both tho body and the wind, and is so natural as to become almost universal. Tifere are heaps of times, I am sure, when many of you w*ish yourselves away from the office and the daily routine of business; then, I say, stroll out into the garden and admire the beauties of nature. ' . ~ , “The cultivation of a garden, ’ lie A'dd.ejL “provides the most'healthful exercise and recreation, and as a hobby it is brie which usually gives pleasure to all and annoys nobody- A house or cottage with a garden looks a home, whereas the dwelling without one is usually cheerless and uninviting. When the whole family have each some interest in the care of the garden, the home naturally becomes much more attractive. THE BEST OF SEEDS “.The more knowledge one has concerning the requirements of various plants, the more successful will be the Operation in the garden. Whetner you grow flowers or vegetables, there is always the incentive to grow better flowers or .vegetables. “It- is a mistake at first to lay out too elaborate a garden or too large a one, as the upkeep may require more tune auc money than can be conveniently devoted to it', and the results .would probably then prove discouraging. Only the very best- in seeds and plants should be obtained, and in tjiis respect it is desirable to consult an experienced local seedsman or nurseryman, for it is against his interests to rccopwiend unsuitable variethorough preparation of the soil should be seen to and tho importance oi cood drainage .caiinpt be under-estimated In the case of light soils, the natnra drainage will usually be sufficient, but with heavy soils a suitable drainage system will 'be necessary- < drenching the soil to a depth of lßin. improves the. /drainage, but- -wfc»n tiuuuig the m ‘>9 not mg the subsoil to the surface; also, when ireii.cliing, the addition o a compost of grass and famyiivd manures is an advantage. M e -fi 11 ( ‘' r soil is quickly -discerned in the healthy growth of plants, and by attention to this gardening becomes at once successful--” THE GRASS PLOT' “The three essentials in plant food arc nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash, and upon the presence oi each or all of them depends the lull development- of all plants. Nitrogen has a particular influence on the development, of leaf and stem, and the want of it. is always apparent by stunted growth and sickly colored foliage. Phosphoric acid imparts vigor to plants and is essential in the development of flowers and seed. Potash forms the sugars and starches in plants; consequently, all root plants such as potatoes, carrots, onions, 'dahlias, anemones, etc., as well as all legumes, such as peas and beans, are benefited by potash manures. “Lime is also largely used, as a means of improving the soil, heavy soils becoming more open and friable, and sandy soils more retentive by its use. A good general garden manure is composed of. two parts of basic super, two parts of bonedust, and one part of sulphate of potash “In planning the garden, if there is a good view it should not be obscured, but on the other hand any unsightly surroundings can be hidden by a trellis or hedge. Where space will permit, all gardens should have a grass plot, as nothing sets a garden off so much as a well kept lawn, but extra pains should be taken to make it level as a lawn with an irregular surface will never look well. NEW VARIETIES “To keep a lawn in good order, it must be mowed regularly, rolled occasionally, and top-dressed with good loamy soil annually. A few light dressings with sulphate of ammonia will remove weeds and stimulate growth of the finer grasses. This should be applied, evenly and three or four days before rain if possible. Flower beds should be made so that the plants can be reached without treading on the soil, and in setting out the beds consideration should be given to the plants most likely to succeed in that particular position. For instance, do not plant dahlias or carnations in the shade. “Do not be an unbalanced flower lover, and centre your attention on any one particular flower to the exclusion of all other kinds, but interest yourself in every possible flower that will do well in your locality. Try out new varieties that have never been tried before; also,. do not imitate—originate and have garden individuality. Tlie joy of growing flowers is a virtue that may well he coveted, for there are thousands who have never experienced tho joys of gardening. A garden should express the individuality and spirit of the maker, charming and delighting everybody who may have access to it. In conclusion, I would advise you all, if you would derive the best'out of life, to take up gardening as a hobby.”

The interest Rotarians showed in the address was demonstrated in the number of questions that were asked, and at the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the speaker. Rofarian C. 0. Hansen, who moved the thanks motion, said the talk was given by a man who was practical in all'that lie said and suggested tnat the subject might he extended to some specific section of gardening. Rotnrian <T. Peach presided at the luncheon.