Gardening Notes

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 23, 27 January 1934, Page 13

Gardening Notes

(BY

ALKANET).

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN I

Attend well to keeping the sideshoots of tomatoes closely removed, These are now rapidly developing their fruits and should be given every assistance. An occasional application of manure water at this time will assist in their development. Do not neglect to spray tomatoes and other plants subject to diseases or incsect pests. To grow summer lettuce sow the seed fairly thinly in well-manured ground and thin early so that the roots of the plants left to develop are not disturbed when thinning. Failing animal manure, superphosphate and nitrate of soda at the rate of 2oz. of the former and loz of the latter for each square yard—applied before sowing, and again after the plants are established, will do much to produce good plants. The same mixture is equally effective when applied to peas, beans, cabbages and other colworts—in fact, almost every variety of green crops. livery portion of the garden carrying crops should be deeply hoed or dug over. Frequently stirring the soil has a magical effect upon plant growth—in fact, good cultivation is the art of gardening. To keep runner beans in a fruiting condition keep the pods closely picked and the plants well supplied with moisture, manure waters being occasionally applied. Take advantage of moist weather to plant out cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Savoy, cabbage, Brussel sprouts and other colworts. Before planting dip the plants in a solution of arsenate of lead or Black Leaf 40. Trenches that have been prepared for celery and leeks may still be planted. Well water the plants before and after planting. Kumara plants will now be running freely and should have the runner occasionally lifted to prevent them taking root. By doing this better developed tubers are obtained. THE FLOWER GARDEN Occasional rain and hot atmosphere render conditions most favourable for the flower garden. Flowers arc abundant and growth healthy and vigorous. Dahlias are already a profusion of flowers. Attend to the usual regulation of the branches by thinning and tying them up. Disbud by picking off superfluous flower buds and cut off spent blossoms. Chrysanthemums need every attention at present. Tie up the leading branches. Remove suckers from the base and side-shoots and spray the plants for caterpillars and leaf disMichaclmas daisies, or perennial asters, should have their flowering branches supported. Zinnias and tall African and French marigolds require to be staked. Roses are again flowering freely. Pick off spent flowers, spray for aphis, and dust the foliage for mildew and black spot. Caterpillars are plentiful. Examine the different plants attacked and handpick or spray with arsenate of lead paste. Nerines that have been taken up and stored should be replanted at once. Arrange the bulbs in clumps a few inches apart. Prepare for winter-flowering sweet peas by sowing in pot or seed trays to secure seedlings for early planting. Narcissi that have been taken up may be planted again in vacant spots where required. The general planting should be made early in March. All vacant ground should be manured, deeply dug or trenched. This is the best time for work of this kind to sweeten and rest the soil. The construction of new lawns should be started when the soil is dry and in its best condition.

I BUDDING FRUIT TREES

IMPORTANT OPERATION. Budding is an operation that to be successful requires to be performed while the stocks are in a healthy growing condition, and when the bark can be easily raised for the insertion of the buds. It is a means whereby any interior or unprofitable kind can be changed to more lucrative varieties, and as this method of changing or increasing varieties happens at the time when the merits of the trees are fresh in the mind of the growers, mistakes as to their suitabilities are not likely to be made. The season for budding invariably extends from the present month until about the end of March. The success attained depends so much upon the state of the stock at the time of budding that careful watching is necessary to perform the operation while the stock is in the most satisfactory condition for working. In this respect trees naturally vary considerably. Large fruit-bearing trees, for instance, invariably cease to make growth many weeks before younger and more vigor-ous-growing varieties. Trees, too. such as plums, pears, quinces and others, whose foliage has been allowed to become attacked with leech and other leaf-eating pests, often becomes so checked in growth that rebudding becomes impracticable,. Necessary Conditions. To bud successfully the operation requires to be done while the sap is active and the bark easily raised for the insertion of the buds. For this reason the foliage should be kept clean iand the growth unchecked. No garden I should be cumbered with unprofitable I varieties. When, after giving the trees a fair test and they prove unsuited to the grower, they can be renewed by re- | budding or grafting. Even large trees, Iso long as they are in a reasonably j healthy condition, take readily and soon * reach a fruiting condition. | With some varieties of fruit +> ees, too. budding certainly has an an ntage over winter and spring grafting, particularly with such kinds as peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums. The buds of these invariably take more | readily budded than grafted, while a further advantage is that the peach can be worked with other fruits if desired, such as several of the Japanese and European plums, as well as apricots and nectarines. Simplicity of Budding. The budding itself is a simple operation and may be easily performed by any person having a slight knowledge of the work. If quickly and neatly executed, there will be little difficulty in securing a good take (or union) between the stock and bud if done while the sap is active and separate freely from the bark. The after success depends entirely upon the stock and scion being suited to each other. For instance, it would be useless to bud stone fruits upon pip-fruiting varieties or vice-versa, as there must always be an affinity between the stock and scion. To obtain the best results the stock and scion must be such as will not only form a good union, but will ensure good growth and fruitfulness. In most instances apples have been worked upon the Northern Spy, or other aphis-proof stock. It is* quite safe for renewing with other varieties of apples. It is not only aphis resistant at any rate, below where the bud has been inserted, which is an important matter in a climate where woolly aphis is so prevalent, but it is a clean, healthy grower, while most varieties worked upon it are productive croppers. Fortunately, the introduction of the woolly aphis parasite, aphelions mali, appears to be doing good work in many orchards in keeping this pest under control. Selection of the Wood. In selecting the wood for budding, always select thrifty well-ripened buds of the present season’s growth, but m choosing the buds care must be taken not to select one that will develop a flowering bud only. These are always more round than a wood bud and are usually easily distinguishable from wood buds. With peaches, nectarines and many varieties of the Japanese plums, there need be little risk of taking a flowering bud only as on most of the .'hoots an abundance of triple buds are producing wood growth. The triple buds are always the best and safest buds to select when working these varieties. Care in Cutting Buds. To be successful in budding, sp'L.al care is required in cutting the bid.

This requires to be done with a very sharp knife so that a clean thin slice with only just sufficient wood at the base of the bud to protect it from injury is secured. For the insertion of Ibe buds, first make an upright incision in the bark about an inch, to an inch and a-quarter in length and at the top a cross incision so that the cuts form the shape of a “T.” The bark should then be carefully raised and the bud inserted. The more neatly and closely the buds are fitted into the bark the more likely they are to succeed. Immediately after the insertion the buds should be made secure by carefully wrapping the wound round with raffia or other suitable material that will hold the bills securely in position until the union is complete. GANNAS FEATURE OF THE PARKS. 1 Cannas are at present the leading floral feature in many gardens, parks and other public grounds. They are splendid dry weather, summer flowering plants. They impart a very beautiful and tropical aspect to the garden and grounds by their stately growth and I broad, massive foliage in various shades of green, coppery bronze and I chocolate, the leaves of some of the kinds being striped. The foliage is relieved by rich crimson, orange and other brilliant colours. Some are prettily dotted and spotted. They comprise pink and other colours. Cannas are wonderfully showy and effective. The more recent novelties have large gladioli-like flowers on stout flower stalks. Cannas are most effective planted in groups or in separate beds All are of the easiest cultivation. Thtdwarfcr growing varieties are adop ml for pot culture and arc invaluable for specimens with their effective foliage and beautiful blossoms. GLADIOLI I I The earliest planted varieties of I gladioli will have completed their flowering and ripened off their foliage and t stems sufficiently to take them up. | When left too long in the ground they 'soon make fresh roots after the first rain, much to the in jury of the corms or bulb.. Remove the small bulblets at ihe base. .Some of the. largest may be saved for replanting. Store the corms in a dry, airy shod or in boxes on shelves. CARE OF HEDGES HINTS FOR CLIPPING. With the exception of Abelia floribunda that flowers in the autumn, Cuprcssus macrocarpa, junipers, and other conifers must not be clipped before the winter. The different other varieties of the hedge plants may be pruned, especially elacagnus, which throws out its long shoots now in evidence. Lightly trim tccoma on the sides. The top growth should be left to produce the flowers that makes this hedge so handsome during the autumn, with its orange scarlet blossoms. Hedges composed of variegated euonymus should have the longer shoots cut off with the seccatcurs to give it a more uniform appearance. Recently-planted hedges of this showy shrub should not be trimmed until about the third year. Close clipping should not be practised. Another Opinion. A tourist stopped beside the labourer i on top of a hill overlooking a farmdotted valley. “Jove!” he exclaimed, with a feeling of ecstasy. ‘What a beautiful view that is! ’ ’ 'Pho labourer shook his heil. “Traps it is,” he returned. “But if you have to plough that view, har--1 row it, sow it, hoe it. cut it, and fence it, it would look dashed ordinary.-' Showing Them Hew. “Garge,” said the farmer who had turned his farmhouse into a guest house for holiday-makers, “I wish you’d have your meals by yourself ins'iead of witii the visitors, if you don’t mind.” His hefty son ’set his jaws defiantly. 1 “Why? Isn’t my society good enough for them, then?” he asked The farmer shook his heal. “'Now now, my son, it’s nothing like taar.” he returned quietly; “yua’re good enough for them, but your appetite .cis them a terrible example.” Bravely Rewarded. “My poor fellow, you must be wet through,” said an old lady to a young man, who, at the risk of his life, had managed to get her pct poodle out of the frozen lake. The dog had run on the ice and fallen through a hole some distance from the bank. “Yes, you must be drenched to the skin,” she continued. “Take these throe peppermints—they’ll warm you; and have, those otho-s before you go to bod to-night. ”

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Dear Members.—After a week of playing truant it is a pleasure to return to these pages. Since my last letter we have had our gladioli exhibition and I was very pleased with th# splendid display staged by the C.G.C. On all sides praise could be heard and I felt very proud of you all. Now, children, I have some more daffodils, freesias and Iceland poppy seed for distribution so will all town members who have not yet received these please call at the “Chronicle” Avenue office. I will post gifts of these to all country members early next week. I would be glad if all members who receive these gifts would refund the postage when writing.

Now, children, Miss Shirley Gilbert has donated a handsome cup for competition in the chrysanthemum classes and I want every member to give their plants every attention possible. Wo must all join in thanking Shirley for her handsome donation to the Circle. I have received many letters this week and I notice most of you have returned home from your holidays. I hope that you have all enjoyed yourselves and have returned feeling much better and eager for your schooldays to begin again. Cheerio. “CARNATIC.” NEW MEMBERS. 400 — Hazel Broadbent, 18 MoanaStreet. 401— Pat Owles, Taylor Street. 402 Flora Stevens, Kings Avenue. 403 Arthur Sampson, 19 Grey Street. 404 Ula Jones, 24 College Street, 405 Basil Hanlon, GO Alma Road. 406 Janet Bogle, 12 Parkes Avenue.

407—Noelinc Broom, No. 1 Line. LETTERLAND. Alice and Nancy.—Many thanks for your kind donation to the stall. I must send you a nice little parcel in return. So sorry you were unable to see the wonderful display of flowers. How is the garden? Margaret Taylor.—Thank you, dear, for your very nice letter. Yes, I will send your parcel to you. Nocline Broom.— Yes, Nocline, we will be very happy to enrol you in the C.G.C. and 1 am sure you will soon have a wonderful little garden all your own. Thank you for sending your subscription along. Would you like your gifts posted to you or would you call at the “Chronicle” office for them? “Heather Bell.”—Yes “Heather Bell” I have found you a pen-pal. Have posted you her address. Uncle Wai is very well and sends his regards to you. The subscription is Is. You must show Grandma how well you can grow your flowers. “Wild Primrose.”—Have sent your letter to Uncle Wai. Your bloom was certainly very good and you should soon have a collection of nice flowers. “Snowdrop.”—l will be posting you a parcel very soon so will include some freesias for you. Thank you for your offer of pansy seed; as I have ordered some special seed from England 1 think I will have sufficient. It is necessary for each member to have exactly the same seed for the pansy competition. Your letter was very interesting. “Wisteria.”—Will post your seeds to you as soon as I get all the parcels ready. Hazel Broadbent.—A hearty welcome to our circle of gardeners. If you watch these columns each Saturday you will be able to keep in touch with the circle. A free distribution of bulbs and seeds will take place shortly. Thank you for your subscription. “Laughing Lily.”—Many thanks for your kind wishes. Y r ou must get your “glads” in a little earlier next year. Margaret Taylor.—You also must plant your bulbs earlier next year. Did you enjoy the beautiful flowers at the show? Thora Thomasen.—Freesias prefer a sunny situation. Will have some parcels ready soon and if you call at the “Chronicle” Avenue office you will be able to receive some. Janet Bogle.—Yes, Janet, we will be very happy to enrol you as a member of the C.G.C. By making gifts of seeds and bulbs every child can have a garden of their own. Notos appear each week in the “Chronicle” and messages for members will be found in those columns. When making a rock garden always sec that about two-thirds of the rocks are buried and that they slant so that the water runs into your beds. When preparing your rock garden use plenty of good soil. You certainly love flowers. Sorry “Jasmine” has been claimed. Would you like ‘ ‘ Rosemary? ” "Fairy Butterfly.”—Pleased to hear you enjoyed the show. Plant your “Glads” a little earlier next year. Yes, 1 will send you some freesias. “Blue Butterfly.”—Yes, Nancy, I will arrange a pen-friend for you. I am sure you are going to be a keen little member. Do not be afraid to ask if there is anything you wish to know. You will find “Bcrty Snow” a very nice “glad.” “Cissio.”—Yes, “Cissio, ” I will send your parcel to you. I guess you tire very happy to have your old playmates with you again. Love to “Cactus” and

“Lucifer.” Yes, we will be having a pansy competition and I would like all our members to prepare their boxes in readiness. “Cactus.”—Thank you for remembering tihe C.G.C. while on your holidays. Yes, I will arrange a pen-pal for you. I will post all the parcels to your schoolmaster as soon as the holidays are over. “Lucifer.”—Well dear, I suppose you will soon be home again. You have certainly had a most wonderful time. Will send your gifts along very shortly. “Christmas Lily.”—Yes, Lilian, 1 will see the pansy seed reaches you in time for the competition. Have forwarded another name to you for a penpal as “Heather Bell” has been suited. “Mignonette.”—Yes, Patricia, you may have some freesias. Watch for notes when they can be called for. I am glad to hear that my notes have been helpful to you. We will also be making a gift of seeds later, so will not forget you. Mrs. A.H.P.—Your letter received and I am pleased to say we were very pleased to have your boy with us for the show. 1 hope he receives much pleasure from his garden.

“Sweet Sultan.”—Have had so many replies to “Heather Bell’s” request for a pen-pal that I have handed your name to another member. Perhaps you will be able to come to our big show in September.

“Yellow Pansy.”—Will send your parcel along to you. Sorry you could not come to the show. Yes, it was very good and tihe C.G.C. display was splen did.

“Bonnie Bluebell.” —It is not necessary to lift your ‘daffs’ each year. If you do, return them to the soil as sour

as possible. Renew the soil and plant early is a good motto. All daffodils should be planted by the end of January, particularly the trumpet varieties as their season of rest is very short. See notes on the cultivation of daffodils in next week’s paper. “Blue-Eyed Daisy.”—You are certainly learning the correct way to garden. Fay, and if you try to learn while you are young you will be ab’e to grow some beautiful flowers. • “Wild Primrose.”—Your letters arc always so very interesting and I am sure you enjoy yourself among your flowers. Pansies are delightful for bedding purpose*. Cut off the old stalks as soon they finish flowering. Young shoo 75 will then aopear which make splendid cuttings for next season’s display. Mark any special ones with a stick before cutting off the old stalks and keep in a separate bed. “Blondel. ” —Thank you dear, for gift to our stall. I will send a parcel along for you. “Lincoln Lass.”—Yes, call for your bulbs. Have you enjoyed your holiday? We had some splendid blooms exhibited in the C.G.C. display and they were greatly admired by those who visited our show.