HOME GARDEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 59, 11 March 1942, Page 6

HOME GARDEN

(By

“Carnatio.”)

WORK FOR THE WEEK TRAINING I’RUIT TREES. Thousands of fruit trees are planted every year by amateur gardeners, in the hope that at a later period sufficient fruit will be forthcoming to ' supply the household requirements. But alas! the hopes and good inten--tions of many planters are frustrated, as numbers of trees die and a goodly portion do not mature properly, owing to incorrect treatment in planting, pruning and neglect. It is only natural if trees are expected to give their best, grow vigorously and produce crops, they must first be properly planted, and later regu arly pruned and sprayed. Growers are well advised to buy second or third-year-old trees that are already trained by the nurseryman. The first pruning is termed “headingback,” which consists of simply cutting the stems of one-year-old trees back to 16 or 18 inches from the ground. They should then produce three to five sturdy growths through the summer. These may be operated on the following winter, cutting back 8 to 10 inches from their base to attain strong growth and promote ' good shape. Always cut. to an outside bud to encourage the growth outwards, thus keeping the centre of ’he tree open. At this pruning it is also advisable to space the branches correctly, that is endeavour to shape the tree so that the branches are evenly spaced. To do this the branches may be tied in position or a piece of board sprung between the branches. The object of all this work is to aim at a good shape as a foundation on ] which to build the tree to stand the ; test and hardship of later life. To neglect this work is to encourage ■ weak growth and the production of | small fruits which weaken the tree until it reverts to a useless and rag- < ged condition. AUTUMN TINTS. The beautiful tints which the deciduous trees and shrubs and a number of the herbaceous plants take on in autumn is some compensation for the shorter and duller days and the near approach of winter. This autumn colouring of leaves and berries are both • highly prized for indoor decoration . and for garden display. Unfortunately, most private gardens do not ' contain much of a selection and gardeners should note some of the many different trees and plants which they wish to grow for next season’s display. A walk around any of our publicgardens and parks will show to the keen gardener which type is most suitable for his garden. Japanese maples, scarlet oaks and Japanese cherries will all soon be showing their beauty, and if space permits in the garden some of these should be planted. Dwarf shrubs are, or should be. popular in all small gardens. The deciduous azaleas are among the first ot shrubs to show their autumn colours, and these are so intense and last so long, that it is questionable whether they are more brighter in the autumn‘or in the spring. The Rhus or sumach family is one remarkable for its autumn tints. There are also a number of spindle tree family with tinted foliage. Flowering currants. spiraeas, japonicas and many others are most useful in small gardens. The list is so large that space does not permit of giving a full list. However, all gardeners should include in their orders some of these remarkable coloured trees and shrubs. SOOT AND ITS USES. Soot enriches garden soil, to some extent it prevents the attacks of grubs, etc., when scattered over the soil or the leaves of plants and it mav with advantage be incorporated with potting soils as a safe fertiliser. Soot-water may be given with safety to all pot plants in a growing state* and. according to the class oi the plant, it may be used in varying degrees of strength. Fill a small bag with soot and sink it in a cask of water. ;;<er a day or two the soot, bag may be removed and the clear water given as required. Palms and other foliage plants showing signs of sickness will be greatly benefited by timely and frec|iient uses of this cheap preparation. SOW AND PLANT. Sweet William. —The Sweet. William has been wonderfully improved in recent years, both as to colour and size of the Howers. Many ol the individual flowers are as big as a shilling, whilst the colours, particularly the reds and pinks, are bright and clear. One of the chief defects of the Sweet William is the tiresome habit of some plains of making great tufts of foliage with few flowers. "The reason of this is usually that the seed has been sown too late or that, the ground has not been sufficiently limed. These beautiful garden plants delight in soil to which has been added some old lime rubble. The seed should be sown as soon as it is ripe, from December onwards, and the young seedlings planted out in their permanent position before early winter—they j will then flower the following sum-1 mer. ! Anemones.- Seed of anemones sown now will make bulbs for planting out next, season. Plants are easily raised | and large quantities of bulbs may be raised from a small quantity of seen. | As the voting plants have to remain, in the seedling beds throughout the winter it is advisable to raise the bed- . about six inches above the level of the i ground. Mix the seed with sand ant : broadcast over the seed bed which, should have been previously wel , watered. After sowing sprinkle over , ’the bed some fine soil and firm the soil with the back of the spade. Covet the bed with a sacking and keep fanlv moist until germination takes place. Be sure and lift the covering as soon as the seedlings appear. The voung plants need not be thinned out but all flowers should be picked oil. When the plants die down, lift the voung bulbs and store away tor plainting next January. If you want a big showing of anemones next, season this is the way to raise big quantities for little cost. Ranunculi may be raised the same way.