GARDEN NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 3, 20 January 1909, Page 39

GARDEN NOTES.

The potato blight is spreading with amazing rapidity. Many growers who imagined there would be no trouble this season, and neglected to spray their crops, are now lamenting their loss. As a result, markets are glutted with inferior samples, and prices have fallen very coniderably. Growers who took the precaution to spray, and kept it up, will be able to hold their crops. Any late planted crops should be sprayed at once, and during the present showery weather any vacant piece of land can be planted, provided suitable seed sets can be procured. In some localities in Auckland Province plums are a heavy crop. Ogan and one or two other sorts excepted. Ogan., in several cases, is a complete failure. Early sorts are plentiful and prices low. A new early plum, raised by Mr. Sharpe, of Waikumete, and named •‘Sharpe’s Early,” seems to be a very promising sort. We sampled a few recently, and found them good for so early a variety. We understand it is a heavy cropper, and comes into bearing early. Balsams are making splendid growth this season, and promise a fine display of bloom. These tender annuals are easily cultivated, provided sufficient shelter is available; they are of small value for cutting, but make splendid beds, lasting a long time in flower. Winter flowering sweet peas can be sown this month where a sheltered spot is available. These early sorts can be had in Hower during August and Sep-

tember. Very considerable progress has lately been made in the development of this class of sweet pea. There are now several new colours and shades obtainable, and although the vines do not grow so tall as the ordinary sweet pea, and the flowers are not so large, they are extremely useful and come in when Howers are very scarce. Pansy seed may be sown this month. The pansy is so universally popular and such excellent results can now be obtained from seed, we strongly advise sowing. Some of the finest strains are Bugnots’ and Cassier’s. We have seen some grand blooms grown from these celebrated strains, ('heap pansy seed is dear at a gift.