THE GARDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1034, 26 July 1930, Page 28

THE GARDEN

By

GLASSHOUSE I’INTS Orchids are all showing their wonderful flowers just now, particularly the cypripedium or slipper orchid. The plants should be watered very sparingly when in bud or bloom; and there should not be at any time now any overhead watering. Under dry conditions the flowers will last on the plants for several weeks. Likewise cymbidiums are now producing their buds, and these plants, too, should only have a minimum supply of water. The long-stemmed varieties of cymbidium should have these flower stems supported by tiein g. owing to the weight of the blooms. For similar reasons ferns should not be overwatered. The ferns are now beginning to set their spore cases on the back of the frond, preparatory to entering their rest period. Preparation should even now be made by collecting soil for fern repotting. Ferns are particularly partial to new leaf mould, and leaves of all kinds, but especially those of oak or elm, should be collected and stored for the purpose. Young slugs and snails are now entering the shelter of the houses. Snail powder or some such deterrent should be freely used. Quite a number of complaints have been recently received regarding mysterious damage to fern fronds, and in all cases the damage has been traced to the attack of the small species of snail, a species which is increasing rapidly—one whose shell is only about half as large as an apple seed and conical in shape. Being quite small, this pest can readily hide from sight. The usual snail remedies are effective.

LEONARD A. GRIFFITHS.

F.R.H.S.

**The rustling of the leaves is like a Tow hymn to Nature.” — Ellis.

positions, about two feet apart, and stake them to prevent their falling over. So that you may get the moßt possible out of the flowers and prolong the flowering season, all faded flowers as soon as the flower falls, should be removed.

TWO UNCOMMON VEGETABLES

Endive: This vegetable is held in high repute by those who have grown it. It is closely allied to lettuce and is cultivated for its leaves, which, after they are blanched to extract their bitterness, are used in salads and stews and are excellent for sick persons with weak stomachs. The curled leaf variety is the besr as the leaves are more fleshy and crisp than other varieties. To obtain Endive in the greatesi perfection, it should be grown quickiy It does best in light, rich, loamy ground, and the soil should be worked about IS inches deep, using plenty of well-rotted manure. Sow the seed thinly, and when large enough thin out the young plants to about 15 inches apart. Keep the plants free from weeds and stir the ground occasionally. As they advance toward the growth, tie the leaves to gether with a piece of string or raffia, which will be sufflicent to blanch them, but be sure ihat the plants are perfectly dry when tying, and take care that no soil gets between the leaves. Chervil: This is also cultivated tor its leaves, which have a pleasant aromatic taste, and are used in salads, or for flavouring soups, for which pur pose it is preferred by many to parsley. Cultivate similar as stated for En dive, except that they need only be thinned to six inches apart. The ground should be frequently stirred during growth, and must be kept free from weeds. When the leaves are about two inches long they are fit to gather, and should be pinched off close to the plants. As the flowers make their appearance they should be removed and not allowed to come to perfection. By doing this the duration of the plar.l will be much prolonged.

QUESTION BOX

Any inquiries by our readers on the subject of gardening will be answered in our “Puzzled Gardeners’ Column” in the following Saturday’s issue. All letters must be addressed to the Garden Editor and forwarded to THE SUN office on or before every Wednesday. Any specimens to be named must be packed securely in a strong box to prevent crushing in transit.

SALPIGLOSSUS

There is no more beautiful annual than the salpiglossus, with their innumerable blends of rich colours in the flowers, either for cut flowers, garden or decoration. And it is needless for us to say that they are worthy of far better treat] neat than they receive. If the best results aie to be achieved, sow the seeds in ooxes, and prick off the seedlings into other boxes as soon as large enough to handle. This pricking out means that when planting time comes along they may be lifted from the box with a nice lump of soil, and will then grow away without any check. A bed of saliglossus planted by themselves will present a wonderful sight. The pretty veined flowers sJ)ow up wonderfully against stock or heliotrope. Set the plants in their permanent I