Gardens revel in last week's warm weather

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 520, 25 January 1994, Page 6

Gardens revel in last week's warm weather

By

Bea

Barnes

The weather forecasters have certainly been proved right, for once, in their prediction of a long hot summer and aren't we all enjoying this lovely weather? All the plants in the garden have revelled in the warmer conditions and put on good growth. The roses have shown their best blooming for years. Some of the smaller surface rooting plants are suffering from the dry conditions and need regular watering if they are to perform to their best. Rhodo's and camellias will be setting their buds now to flower in late winter and spring and adequate moisture at this time is essential if you want good flowers next season. Unfortunately the warmth that suits the plants so well also suits the aphids and other greebies which will attack them, so a regular spray programme is essential to control these pests. Fungal diseases thrive under these conditions. Black spot on the roses will really gain a hold and completely defoliate the plant if left unchecked. Mildew on the foliage of some plants is quite prevalent this year and affected plants will quickly contaminate those near

them. Fortunately a good rose spray will not only deal with fungal problems on roses but is equally effective on other flowers and ornamental shrubs. Dahlia show After the last couple of very poor summers it is good to see the dahlias putting on such good growth and forming the buds which will open in time for the Dahlia Show in February. To promote flowering and to encourage those exhibition type blooms gi ve a feed of sulphate of potash now and keep the plants free from pests with a fortnightly spraying programme. The Dahlia Show, organised annually by the Ohakune Garden Circle, will be held this year at the Lion' s Den in Arawa Street, on Sunday 13 February. Entries will be judged by Mr McDonal from Delightful Dahlias, Wanganui, who is also one of the selected judges at the National Dahlia show this year. There are classes for all types of dahlias and stewards will be in attendance to help you classify and present your dahlias correctly. All entries will

qualify to compete for the Olive Murdie Cup and the Plunket Cup, the winner is entitled to hold the cup for one year. There will also be points prizes. KunikraftFlorist and Garden Court will offer a prize in a special floral display class for an arrangement of not more than 12 dahlias in any type of basket or container. Backing may be used. Prizes will be awarded for the best entries in the

children' s floral art section. Show schedules now being prepared will be available from Kunikraft Florist Ohakune, Berry's Bookshop Ohakune and McLean's Bookshop Raetihi. Entries will be accepted at the Lions Den, Arawa Street, on Saturday 12 February from 3-6pm and on Sunday morning 13 February from 7-9. 3 Oam. The Dahlia Show will open to the public at 1pm on Sunday 13 February. Everyone is welcome. No admission charges. Afternoon tea will be available. There will be a plant saies table and raffles with super prizes. Come along and support your local show. A delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.