THE GARDEN.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 35, 12 June 1924, Page 2

THE GARDEN.

shrubs on a lawn add much to the interest of a garden and afford variety, the effect is lost if suitable spaces do not intervene. Too often such is not the case, and trees and shrubs are planted with a rather monotonous regularity. Such places may now be adjusted by removing some of the plants together in groups and leaving others in a suitable isolation. Quite large shrubs may be removed with safety at this season if the work is properly carried out. It is necessary to have a well thoughtout scheme before commencing the work.

(By W. C. Hyde, in the Journal of Agriculture). VEGETABLE CULTURE. The preparation of land for crops referred to in last month’s notes should now receive every attention, specially those areas to be planted in onions, early potatoes, cr peas. On well-drained land in the warmer localities these crops arc best sown as early as possible in the month of July. On the heavier flat lands care must be taken to avoid unduly hurrying the preparation and planting*. Great injury is done by working* such land when it is too wet, or plantingbefore it is sufficiently warm. The seed requirements for the season should also have careful consideration now. Seeds of a kind look very much alike to the casual observer, but the experienced grower and the commercial grower especially know the importance of seeds of a good “ strain.” Germination is usually good, though often weak, but manures and well-prepared land are wasted unless seeds that are cleah and of the best strain are planted. Tomato-seecl, for example, varies greatly in strain; it may also be affected with the bacterial “ blackstripe ” disease, for which there is little remedy. It is not uncommon to come across instances where the best of land has been given every attention and the crop skilfully handled, bub the result has been unsatisfactory for this reason alone.

As to varieties, it is best to keep in the main to those which experience has proved suitable to the respective districts although the progressive grower will always try a little seed of a new variety if it is properly recommended.

Small private gardens are more easily managed and a proper rotation observed if, instead of growing all kinds of vegetables every season, a selection is" made. Land that hais been heavily manured and has carried winter cabbage, broccoli, and sprouts should during the following season be planted in celery and root crops, to be followed the next year by such shallow-rooting subjects as peas, beans, onions and salads. It is in this way that very small areas may be made wonderfully productive at the lowest cost of material and labour.

"What has been said of seed applies very largely to potato sets; it is worth while going to some trouble to get gooff stocks, and they should be got without delay. Potatoes for planting are best stored in a light, airy place, which will check sprouting; in fact, for the earlier crops they are best spread in a single layer. Stored in this way the sets ripen, and any growth made is strong* and stout and in every way desirable. SUNDRY FRUITS AND NUTS.

There are many kinds of fruits and nuts in short supply, both for private home use and market purposes. Almonds, cherries, chestnuts, currants, figs, filberts, gooseberries, persimmons, quinces and passion fruit are some of them. They all deserve the careful consideration of the private grower, and many of them of the commercial grower also. It is not at all uncommon in some parts of the country to come across chestnuts and filberts growing on grassy hillsides with, very little attention, and carrying good crops. Persimmons of good varieties crop well here, and when in proper condition are considered by many to be among* the most delicious fruits grown. Any of the foregoing may be planted now on suitable land, except perhaps pas(sdon fruit, which, like some other smaller plants, is best left till*later. FLOWERS, SHRUBS AND TREES.

During the winter interval it is well to consider plans for the coming one fades. There is a tendency perone fades. There eis a tendency perhaps for the planting* of annuals to

become somewhat stereotyped. A number of such plants are suited to sea-.side and inland places, light and heavy land l . A closer study of the seed catalogues will reveal many excellent alternative plans. A little less variety would improve many excellent alternative plans. A little less variety would improve many schemes, and nearly all would benefit from a greater use of those quieter foliage and flowering* plants—gypsophila, for instance that, although modest in themselves, do so much to blend and harmonise the brighter colours. The popular “ Bonfire ” salvia gave a much enhanced display this season in a garden where it was associated with the small white perI ennial aster. Results depend on careI ful planning as much as anything, and the best results are then often (obtained very simply. The zinnia has been much improved of late, and its rich quiet half-tones are worth the considepatiouof any one who has a j ' 1 40 Spare in the