IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22511, 20 September 1938, Page 6

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WFKK

UWMUI WOTTM tOft TH« fB*S».; .

[By W. J. HUMMJ

FLOWERS

The time for planting ornamental shrubs, trees, and roses is fast slipping away. .Those who Intend to plant should get this work in hand as soon as possible now. After planting give each plant a good watering. This will settle the particles of soil firmly, about the roots. Shrubs planted previously Should be kept well cultivated. Stirring the surface soil keeps the moisture iii andalso admits air to the roots. Any, planting now should be done very firmly. High winds penetrate the soil deeply, and if the plants are not firmly planted they will not make headway. Complete the dividing and'replanting of herbaceous perennials. The young growths from the out Parts of jthe clumps are the best pieces to plant, Autumn-sown sweet peas should be kept well cultivated. They should be staked. Reri»ove any weak growths. Dust a little superphosphate along the row and mould than, up. If a late batch of sweet peas is required, now is the time to get the seed in. Plant gladioli now if early flowers are needed. Iceland poppies, pansies, violas, pentstemons. hencheras, lupins,, and hollyhocks should also be planted ''now.. Watch roses carefully. Green fly Will soon be making its appearance. If this should happen* spray with black leaf 40, using it at the rate of one teaspoon to one gallon.of water. Hoeing the soil frequently helps roses along wonderfully. Continue to sow hardy annuals -»n tho open borders, where they are to remain and bloom, Annuals which have everlasting flowers are ornamental and useful. These may be sown now- The following are useful kinds: Statice sinuata, in. blue, yellow, and rose shades, helichrysuma in various colours, rodanthe and xeranthemuras. Work the soil down to a fine tilth and broadcast the seeds, Do not sow too thickly. As soon as the young plants •re large enough to handle, thin them out so that they stand from six to nine inches apart, according to the kinds, . Boronlaa Boronia megastigma will plant out better now than at any other time of the season. The reason for this, is that tha soil is warmer and the young roots get into action straightaways If these plants are transplanted into cold, wet soil in the 4eadf of winter they often fierish, Boronias are lime-haters and hey are not fond of artlcial manures in any form. A free, sweet, sandy, moist soil suits them best. During periods of dry weather they should be watered freely. Daphnes, too, may be planted for some time yet, ; These, too, are limehaters. They require the same cultural treatment as boronias. ■■ ' . "'«•'. ■ Magnolias

Possibly few gardeners Know, that the btst timt to transplant magnolias is late spring, just before the leaf buds open. All ox this family of plants have flashy roots, and-if disturbed during the dormant period often die, MagnoHas ere worthy garden- plants;- and may be used with, telling effect where there is scope for their full development They do best where the soil is deep and well drained. A position in full sun suits them best.. They; too, are lime-haters. disturb the surface roots by ideep cultivatio.n. They do not like iL "

VEGETABLES

TM soil conditions are still favourable to planting and sowing. Keep all growing crops on the move by hoeing them frequently. It is only by using the hoe frequently/that the soil can be kept up to its fertility. Thin out all crops as soon as the young seedlings are large enough to handle. Each plant must be given room for the development of both root and top. Neglect to thin out early Is often the cause of failure with vegetables. There is still time to plant asparagus. Make sowings of radish, lettuce, onions, mustard and cress for salad purposes. Sow peas, broad beans, also carrots, beetroot, summer spinach, and parsnips. Continue to plant cabbage and cauliflower. Sow second early peas; Greenfeast or Defiance are reliable croppers. Plant a few early potatoes in a sheltered position. Get the main crop of onions in as soon as possible. Prepare now for autumn and winter crops by - sowing brussels sprouts, savoys, red cabbage, cauliflowers, cabbage, and celery. Artichokes should be planted now.

~-.. THE GLASSHOUSE Proceed with the repotting of all plants that require more root room. In carrying out this work, see that the pots are clean. Plants cannot thrive if the roots cannot get air. Palms and aspidistras, if they need it, should be potted on now. These plants are fond of nitrogenous foods- They like a sharp fine soil to which leaf mould or spent hops has been added. Blood manure is valuable, but it should be mixed. with the soil at least a fortnight before it is used. Dahlias may be raised. The best time to sow is now. The seedlings should be pricked out in flats and planted in their flowering quarters after frosts are over. By early autumn they should be in full flower. Hanging baskets are very effective. Any required should be made up now. Tuberous begonias that are resting may, now be started into growth, Fuchsias growing in pots should be cut back and j when growth starts, they should be knocked out of their present pots.. Shorten the roots and repot them. Pot on chrysanthemums as they require it. Pelargoniums and geraniums should be given more space, Pinch out the leading growths, This will cause the plants to grow bushy. Cinerarias, fuchsias, primulas, and hybrid calceolarias thrive better at this time of the year if they are kept cool and shaded from the sun. Do not shade pelargoniums, geraniums, or schteantftus" These need direct light for some time yet. Asparagus are hungry plants and need potting often. It is almost impossible to have the soil too rich'for them.

FRUIT There is yet time to plant fruit trees, but the sooner they are planted now the better. This is quite a good time to plant strawberries. Head back fruit trees intended to be grafted. Keep the surface soil cultivated, under fruit trees. Their roots require air before they can function properly. ** ■ ; v .,w,.v -"// SHRUBS .■ At present there is no more beautiful shrub in bloom thanCydonia riccartoniana. This outstanding plant was raised at Riccarton by Mrs John Deans. It received an award of merit by the Canterbury Horticultural Society. Its bright glowing crimson flowers are borne in great profusion. These are exceptionally large.and last well, experts claim this cydonia to be the. most outstanding variety' in cultivation, Cydonias do best if planted in full sun. They are fond of lime, Pruning is seldom needed.