IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23966, 5 June 1943, Page 2

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK [By W. J. humm:] FLOWERS Although there are noi many flowering shrubs to give brightness at present, there are, many plants that can take their place because of the, bright effect they give with their brightly coloured foliage. When selecting shrubs, do not overlook those that keep the garden alive and interesting during the winter months. For this purpose such plants as golden and silverleafed hollies, golden privet, and the various forms of variegated euonymous are valuable. Aucubas are splendid for growing in shaded places. Besides being an effective border plant, the foliage of the variegated aucuba is splendid for interior decoration, and, as such, will keep fresh for many weeks. There are also many conifers, the foliage of which assumes beautiful golden copp ,r and silver shades which remain throughout the winter months. These conifers are splendid for furnishing small formal gardens. Besides those with coloured foliage there are many with beautiful fresh green-coloured foliage. These grow to various heights, and from them many kinds may be selected that may be fitted into any form of garden design. All conifers are sun-loving, and should be planted in open positions. Many require shelter but not shade. Conifers do best in a well-drained soil. They are not fond of stable manure, lime, or any manures containing it. When established it is not wise to disturb their roots by deep cultivation. Like most long lived plants the small types develop slowly and seldom outgrow their positions. It is seldom that they need any pruning. To get the maximum effect plant them where they are not interfered with by other plants and they will develop their type forms without attention. Planting should be pushed on with all haste while the weather and soil conditions are good. Before planting, make sure that the soil is free from harmful weeds. Plants will not thrive where the soil is infested with twitch and other harmful weeds. When planting specimen plants such as flowering cherries, apples, silver birch, purple beech, etc., it is a mistake to prune them. Pruning is quite wrong and does not help the plant in the slightest degree to re-establish itself; in fact, it makes the going harder. Apart from being detrimental, pruning the centres out of specimens destroys their natural colour and they never fully recover. Delphiniums are liable to the attack of slugs and snails during the winter months. To prevent these pests from destroying the young buds that are below the surface water with Condy’s crystals at the rate of 1 ounce to 12 gallons of water, freely around each clump. Few climbing plants are as effective as the large flowering clematis for clothing walls and pergolas. From the many kinds can be selected colours to fit in with any colour scheme. If planted now. before the very heavy frosts arrive, they will become established and will make vigorous growth next spring. VEGETABLES Where possible dig deeply or trench all plots not required for present use. It is a mistake to leave these uncultivated till spring. By digging in autumn or early winter the soil gets aerated to the depth of the digging and if the surface soil is left in a rough state the action of frost will by spring greatly improve the texture. It is a good plan where the soil is not well drained to ridge the surface as is done when moulding potatoes. This method exposes a greater surface to the influence of the frost, and also affords better drainage. u P u er ? re r5 round in which to plant rhubarb. Rhubarb requires a soil rich in plant food At the time of preparation dig in plenty of well decayed manure. Place the cowns three feet aoart m the rows, and three to four feet between the rows September is the best time to Plant asparagus, but thf ground for these should be prepared as soon as possible. Dig deeply and incorporate plenty of well-decayed manure. leaf mould, or similar material. To be successful with this crop a position that gets all the sun possible and away from the influence of ’arge tree roots should b? chosen Sharp dramapo should be given. Asnaragus will do no good io land that lies water-logged during the winter months CuHivte between the growing crons whether weeds are present or not After heavy rain the soil packs down and excludes air and warmth, which are essential to the J well-being of the roots. It is the right

time now to plant herbs, such as sage, thyme, and mint. Give these a sunny, open position. Chives should be grown in every well-appointed garden. The tops of these take the place of spring onions. They are v to use lone be* fore onions are useable. P\nt thfcsi in clumps at a distance of 18 Inchei, apart. Plant cabbages for spring When doing so dust lime round each, plant. It is time now to plant sea* kale. Potato sets for next season's crops should be selected now. vPlacs these in shallow trays, eyes upper* most, near the light in a frostproof, position. '