ROSE JOTTINGS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 365, 5 March 1932, Page 23 (Supplement)

ROSE JOTTINGS.

Now is the time to make preparations for selecting a good autumn crop. Constant treading among the rose beds will have made the surface very hard. Giver the beds a good hoeiifj first. Remove all faded flowers and the long shoots that have flowered may be cut back to a stout bud. Having thus trimmed the roses and made the surface soil loose, a top-dressing can be given. If mulching has not already been done,' some well-rotted animal manure should be scattered around, or superphosphate can be used. Cover this over with a layer of new soil, in which may be mixed a good proportion of wood asb. A sprinkling of sulphate of ammonia' or a prepared fertiliser may also be used when mixing this top-dressing. In showery weather the sulphate of ammonia may be used in liquid form at the rate of half an ounce to the gallon,' but care must be taken when watering it in that the solution does not touch the leaves. Keep a look-out for sucker growths. These constantly make their, appearance, especially after rain, anti they rob the tree of its vitality. Sever ( them as closely as possible from the stock. If trees are in an unsuitable position or do not appear to be thriving,’ now is the time to mark them and make notes for replanting in autumn. Standards or half-standards that have become crowded out with overhanging growths should be moved to a more open position where they will have a new lease of life. Many varieties that disappoint year after year can be grown; successfully if transferred to newj quarters that have been well prepared.! As soon as the ramblers cease flowering,' cut off the old growths so as to en-j courage the young shoots to grow freely*] Ramblers can easily be layered at this season. Mildew makes its appearance; now and susceptible varieties should be watched for tho first signs of the disease. If it is checked in its initial stage little damage is done, but when once it obtains a foothold it is difficult to eradicate. Flowers of sulphur dusted over the affected parts will help to check the disease in its early stages. There are many causes of mildew. Roses grown on badly drained soils or planted in draughty positious are susceptible to attacks. In a humid season with extremes of temperature the disease is very prevalent. Rust on the foliage may sometimes be observed at this time of the year. Pick off affected leaves and burn them. Black spot is another fungoid disease that should be checked as soon as observed. Dark patches appear on the upper surface of the leaves. It is very prevalent among the pernetianas. If affected leaves fall off, gather them nt once and burn them so as to prevent the soil around the trees from becoming affected. Spraying with lime sulphur or frequent dustings with flowers of sulphur will keep most rose diseases in check, if it does not eu.tirely cure them.