ANSWERS TO PUZZLED GARDENERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 418, 28 July 1928, Page 26

ANSWERS TO PUZZLED GARDENERS

Ruth, Otahuhu —Enquires (1) When to plant Pittosporum seed; (2) how to grow kumeras; (3) name of specimen tree enclosed. Answer: (1) Seed of this hedge may be planted in the spring. It should be sown thinly in drills and transplanted when one year old; second and third year old trees may be had at a reasonable rate, thus saving you a lot of time; (2) kumeras may be raised by planting the tubers on a bed of manure and transplanting the young rooted shoots. Cultural directions will be published in the correct season; (3) the specimen sent is very crushed and shrivelled but looks very like Acmena Florlbunda. This makes a beautiful ornamental tree or a close, tall hedge if well clipped. It is a native of N. Holland, discovered about 1788. If you are very anxious to get this particular tree I will again name it if you send a good sample packet in a small box. 8.C.T., Devonport —lnquires for names of hardy creepers brightly coloured for covering fences. Answer: Many varieties are obtainable that should suit you: Wistaria,

Bouganvillea, solanum. perennial argentine pea, ltennedya and cobra scandens are all blue shades. Bignonias are a hardy race of plants and may be had in yellow, pink, orange and red. Tasconla or banana passion is a rapid and thickly clad vine hearing large scarlet star-shaped flowers. Any of the above are obtainable locally and will suit you. H.G.A.H., Morrinsville —Writes (1) Are green primroses freaks? (2) how to cultivate passion fruit. Answer: (1) Invariably primrose hybrids throw freak blooms. The one of yours certainly belongs to this class and will probably throw back to normal next season; (2) passion fruit may be planted now. Procure, if possible, a two-year balled-up plant. These generally give more satisfaction than seedlings. Bet in warmest corner available, and well trench the ground, incorporating well-rotted manure. A special article on this subject will appear in next week’s issue.