Seeing to summer damage

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 515, 7 December 1993, Page 12

Seeing to summer damage

By

r Bea

Barnes

I trust that you are all enjoying this lovely long hot summer (?) which was predicted by all and sundry. As I sit at the typewriter there is about a lOOmph gale blowing outside with just sufficient spattering of rain to make the dust stick nicely to the ranchslider so that the glass will look as though it has not been cleaned for a month. The late frost has done some damage in the garden especially to the young dahlia plants and some of the more tender annuals have suffered, but I think it is the strong winds which have caused the most damage. It's very disheartening to see the lovely white aquilegia standing so tall with its pristine white flowers one day only to be beaten down to the ground the next. I notice several small branches have been broken by the wind on the trees and some of the larger shrubs and in the rose bed two large branches full of bud have snapped and were hanging by a thread. It is important to trim back any broken or damaged growth as soon as possible so that the breaks may heal quickly and avoid the possibility of disease setting in. Most of the plants will respond by sending up fresh new growth. This has not been a very good growing season so far, the plants not making as rapid growth as they normally do. We are not the only ones to suffer though. I have been talking to nurserymen and a rosarian lower down the island and they too are experiencing difficulty in bringing the plants on to the required standard. I love delphiniums but with the very strong winds we so often get in this area they really need individual staking if they are to remain upright. This year we are planting the 'Magic Fountain' strain which comes in a lovely colour range and are not so tall, having an average height of about 75cm. Given some shelter from the strongest winds they should do better. Nursery grown plants planted out now should flower about early February, just right to enhance the summer flower garden. When planting out the seedling plants choose a sunny position with well drained soil which has been enriched with compost, or if that is not available a prepared pot mix. A sprinkling of slow release fertiliser such as Osmocote will nourish the plants as they grow and will last three to four months. Cultivate the soil to a depth of about 15cm. Water well before planting and again after the plants have been set in position. 'Magic Fountain' delphs will also make good container plants given a reasonable sized container and planted in a prepared potting mix. A sprinkling of Osmocote and some of the water retaining crystals will give the plants a good start and ensure they don't dry out if they happen to miss a watering. although water retaining crystals do not entirely take the place of watering - they are only back up. I am so glad to see what we used to call 'Clove Pinks' with their lovely heady perfume are populari again. They are of the dianthus family and the lovely frilled white 'Mrs Sinkins', an old time favourite, is regaining popularity. A lovely dark red with the same rich fragrance is 'Glory ' and there are several new varieties now coming along. Time now to take a look at the vege garden and put in another sowing of early main crop peas, beans, carrots, beetroot, radishes and lettuce. I know it seems that we have not lost winter yet but think about planting your savoy and winter cabbages for next winter. I do wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and if the weather is fine and warm forget the weeding for a while and sit in the garden and enjoy it. Good gardening for 1994.