Water, water every where

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 571, 31 January 1995, Page 11

Water, water every where

Quite unusual in our variable climate is the need to be grateful for every drop of rain. Hoses must have been doing quite a lot of overtime this summer and we can certainly be grateful we have not the restrictions on the use of water that are suffered in some places. To keep the plants healthy and blooming an adequate supply of water is essential especially for the summer annuals which have very shallow root systems. To keep these flowering for the remainder of the summer spend an hour or so clipping away the heads of the spent flowers where the seed capsules will already be forming. In the absence of rain give them a good water and a feed with a liquid fertiliser to encourage a further crop of flowers. Petunias which were planted in early summer may by now be looking a little tatty with fewer and

smaller flowers. If this has happened cut them back by about half and water and fertilise in the same way to encourage new growth and more flowers. Some early summer annuals such as nemesia will have spent themselves by now and possibly already be dying off. These are best removed and the ground prepared for new plantings. Nurserymen are now preparing the plants suitable for late summer and autumn plantings and the first of these should be available about now, such as Sweet Williams, wallflower, bellis daisy, dwarf stocks and the taller bromton stocks noted for their lovely perfume in the mild spring evenings. For the shadier places try polyanthus and primulas. One of the first primulas to arrive is the lovely lavender lady — taller than some, with soft lavender flowers. Planted now as space becomes available, these will

all make good growth in the months ahead and be ready to put up a good display of flowers for a colourful spring. To encourage better blooms on the dahlias give a dressing now of sulphate of potash, one to two handfuls (depending on the size of your hand) per square metre. Earwigs are a problem this year so spray these pests to prevent the flowers being spoiled by chewed petals. Ensure the best February flush of bloom in the rose bed by giving your roses some attention now. Remove all the spent flower heads and any foliage which has yellowed and dried. Trim any stems affected by dieback to a good healthy growth and give a thorough spray with a combination spray to rid the bushes of any insect visitors which may have taken up residence and check for any fungal dis-

eases. Keep an eye out for mildew on your plants at this time as it can take hold in the hot dry conditions. Pansies and cornflowers can be prone to mildew and any plant which shows the telltale silvery look on the foliage can be sprayed with the same spray that you use on the roses. Lightly hoe the rose bed and give it a feed of a balanced rose fertiliser plus a regular supply of water in dry conditions and your efforts should be rewarded with another good flush of bloom in February. Perennials given similar treatment will flower over a longer period. Spring bulbs will be available in shops and garden centres about now. The first to arrive will be the anemones and ranunculus followed by narcissus types, crocuses, and hyacinths. Tulips will be available a little later ready for planting in April.