(By Hortus.)

Press, Volume L, Issue 14975, 23 May 1914, Page 9

(By Hortus.)

GENERAL REMARKS

The severe weather conditions experienced have delayed garden work for a short time. Tho heavy rainfall will do muck good in thoroughly wetting the soil, e&pec-aHy where nettled by plants which are deep-rooted. Evergreen shrubs will t'oel the benefit of the heavy rainfall in that the foliage will'receive a good cleansing, allowing the foliage to perform its functions without obstruction. Evergreen shrubs, owing to the donsity of the foliage, are liable to suffer for want of moisture, as the foliage is liable to turn the wet unless a heavy fall takes place sufficient to' penetrate through the foliage. This cla&s of plants is seldom deeprooted, and usually form a mat .of fibres, which remain close, to the surface of the soil, and away from the moisture below. With, a heavy downfall .sufficient to soak the ground during the winter the evergreen is not so liable to suffer from the drought of summer.

Hollies, Eleagnus, jLnonymue, and a number of evergreen shrubs, get a thorough cleansing alter such a rainfall as has been experienced. The grass grub, which is so much in evidence this season, is brought to the surface by the heavy rains, and falls an easy prey to the birds of the air, and also to tho fowls, which make a direct attack on this pest when permitted to roam about tho lawns or garden at this season of the year. After such a severe touch of wintry weather it is very likely wo shall experience a month of bright, sunny winter, this lasting till Juno 20th, after, which date the winter usually 6ots in very cold and wet.