CORRESPONDENCE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 109, 1 February 1935, Page 18

CORRESPONDENCE

Answers to Inquiries/ Treatment of Gladioli Stems. —The steins should not be cut back until after foliage has died. When cutting flowers, leave as many leaves as possible, as these supply food to the bulb. (Mrs. A.M.R. Talhape.) Care of Daphne Bush. —Probably your plant is not getting enough food. Give it a mulch of thoroughly decayed cow manure and await results. Daphne requires considerable water in dry weather, but must be well drained. It strongly dislikes lime. (Mrs. W.T.N., Feildlng.) Clematis Needs Iron.— Clematis Is subject to “die-back” which Is usually causel through lack of iron in the son. Correct the condition by applying half an ounce of sulphate of iron to the soil at the base of the plant. Water the crystals into the soil with frequent doses of soot water. Then apply a mulch of leaf mould and your plant should quickly recover. (Miss E. McK., Wellington.) Pansies from Slips.—Pansies should be propagated from the new growths which arise from the base of the plant, or from the sides of the flowering branches. Pull them oft when from two to three inches long, remove the bottom leaves, and Insert in moist, sandy soil. Keep shaded until rooted. (“Pansy Lover,” Palmerston Nth.) Hydrangeas' leaves fade and fall. —The chief reason why hydrangeas are dying off .is the lack of moisture at the ropts. These plants feel the' effects of droughts much quicker than most inhabitants of the garden. Saturate each plant with water; preferably during the evening, and apply a thick mulch of thoroughly decayed cow manure. (“Worried,”-Lr. Hutt) Black Currant Cuttings.—The best time to insert cuttings of fruit trees generally is autumn, say, early in April. Select wellripened shoots of medium thickness, ana make them well fast in sandy soil on an open border. No manure is needed; in fact, it would be harmful, as it would cause the wood to decay instead of keeping plump and making roots. (J.8.E., Levin.) Moss on Lawn.—Moss can be eradicated by giving the lawn a dressing of lioz. of sulphate of ammonia to each square yard. To ensure even and equal distribution, apply In a finely sifted form. The sulphate will probably cause browning'of the lawn at first, but in a few weeks the finer grass will grow with increased vigoui (K.H.H., Wanganui.) , After Aubrietias Flower. Cut them back to the central tuft, and work a little fine, rich soil round the plant. Water frequently in dry Weather to encourage new growth. (Miss K.E.S.; Wellington.) Hollyhock Queries. Hollyhock requires a deeply-dug soil enriched with manure. The months to plant are February-March and Septemiber-Oetober. Seed is usually sown about November. It would be correct to transplant sturdy seedlings any time after a heavy shower of rain, provided they are watered thoroughly and regularly. Welldocayed cow manure Is the best manure, but don't forget that hollyhocks require occasional dressings of lime. (“Kay,” Wadestown.) Diseased Carrots. Please forward specimen plant for identification of disease. • (“Exhibitor,” Wellington.) Various Queries. (1) It is always advisable to select the best of your planting for seed purposes, otherwise the crops show a tendency to degenerate. (2) Yes. If the vines have grown too lanky, nip out .the tops and encourage side growth. (3) Ferns .would d-o quite well M the position is damp and -shady. The following flowers are also suited to such a position: —Anemone japonica (pink or white), spiraes, hydrangeas, cinerarias, helleborus (leu.ten rose). (A.8.C.. Woodville.)