GARDEN NOTES.

Shannon News, 26 October 1926, Page 4

GARDEN NOTES.

(By "Lorna.") Garden lovers who were rejoicing in the freshness and luxuriant growth of their garden plants during the mild, humid days experienced before the frost, suffered a. sudden reverse. Plants on all sides are showing a dcjcctcdness in keeping with the weather. Any half-hardy annuals which had been planted out< suffered extinction. However, patience is one of the great essentials necessary for successful gardening, and much work will have to be redone in both the flower and vegetable gardens. As soon as warm sunshiny weather is again experienced, sow seeds of Aster, Zennia, Petunia, Oolosia, Aniarantluis, Portulaca. Bonfire Salvias., and French and African Marigolds. These all require more warmth for successful growth, and for that reason should never lie sown too early, as although the seed may germinate, the plants will remain in a Aveak, stunted condition until such time as enough warmth is available. Continue sowings of all hardy annuals required tor bedding purposes, also make a sowing of Sweet Pea's for summer blooming. Keep the beds and borders free from weeds; they nrc a great problem at this season of the year and need constant attention for their eradication. Complaints are also numerous against slugs, Avhich certainly revel •in moist Aveathcr condition, making rapid inroads into all tender slants. During Avet showery weather a nightly visit Avith a lantern is the most effective method of dealing with this pest. Newly planted Chrysanthemums Avill need careful attention, as slugs and snails are particularly fond of the young shoots. The Vegetable Garden. After the , severe frost more tomato'plants will be ne»ded 'to fill up the vacant- places. Potatoes which ■are only just through Avill probably be satisfactory, buf those more forAvard sometimes continue to decay down the stem. Where this is the case there is nothing for it. but to replant; Make a small fortnightly sowing of Avhite turnips. These always mature quickly, and the thinnings may be used as greens. Sowcabbage seed in order to have plants to follow the early varieties. Prepare a.ll ground in readiness for the later crops. , Modern Dahlias. Those gardeners desirous /of commencing to cultivate dahlias, or adding to the existing stock should order the plants now. Dahlias have gained in popularity during the last fewyears, and many beautiful varieties are now obtainable. The Paedny type are great favourites as bedding plants, owing to their decorative value and free blooming. The Paeony is a large flattish type 'of flower, usually shoAving- the centre, with flowers borne on very long stems. Among the best both for garden display and the exhibitor's stand are King of Autumn, Avith lovely tints of tawn/atid buff; Director Cold gold), Goblin (purplish maroon), Autumn Tints (lovely rich autumn shadings), Noble (.scarlet, overlaid with orange, each petal distinctly tipped with white, a AvonderfullV decorative Dahlia); Zoe, one of the loveliest shades of pink in cultivation; Futurity, deep apricot pink flowers. I ' What is classed as decorative Dahlias are also A'aluable for garden display and exhibition purposes. These a?-e double to the centre : with, huge bloom on long stiff stems., In this class Mrs. Ernest Cant is one of the best, Avith huge blooms of old gold and stems as hard •as bamboo. This variety often sports white tipped flowers, which are even more attractive than the sell's. Defiance is a good bright scarlet; Big Ben, deep purple; Elsie Golding, light pink ground, relieved by faint edgings of a darker tint, ideal form for exhibiting purposes.

Cactus Dahlias are to be had' in bewildering variety, but where '.the best are Avanted varieties should be procured such as Champion, crinison scarlet; Mammoth, purplish crimson, relieved by lighter tips; Pierrot, yellow ground, tips of petals white- P. w. Fellows, bright orange scarlet; Silver Hill Park, a beautiful white; John Riding, deep crimson; Chrystal, white at base, shading off to silvery ".pink; Mrs 0. A. Gilhitt. clear yellow at base, deepening to rose pink towards the tips. Pompom (Dr. Boquet Dahlias) a--e beginning to be appreciated .for garden display and cut. Mower Avork. They are dwarf groAvers with miniature blooms like small, tight balls, and may be had in a variety of colours. Coliarette Dahlias uve always in favour, iuul their decorative value is well known. They are beautiful single blooms with a ioav of smaller petals around the centre disc, Avhich are usually of a contrasting colour. There are many choice colours among them, and they are very suitable for all floral work. The single Dab.lias are also groAvn for theil decorative value. layering Trees and Shrubs. Where it is desired to increase special favourites among trees and shrubs the Avork could with success be carried cut noAV. The best results arc usually obtained from the spring layerings. In large gardens and nurseries where propagating frames Avith bottom heat are available, propagation is mainly carried on by cuttings and seeds. Everyone does not possess these conveniences, and the natural and simple method of layering must be resorted to, and this in many respects is preferable to either .or" the former, the advanbeing a larger plant In a shorter time. Most trees and shrubs respond to layering, the difficulty with the former only arising from those trees whose branches arc at a difficult height from the ground; but if

these can be tethered by wires and pegs root action generally results. The method is to first break up the soil at the point where the branches arc to be layerea, following this by mixing a quantity of sharp sand and leaf'soil with the existing, soil and slightly firming it. The branch should then be brought to the ground and securely pegged over the prepared soil at a point of from six inches to not more than two feet from the end, according to the subject dealt with. The pegged part should then be notched --or slit lengthwise, ■''after the manner of layering carnations, and tho incision slightly opened to give access to sand and fine soil before finally driving- the layering peg home. It is most essential that the layer should at no time become unduly dry, and therefore a fair quantity of sandy soil should be placed over the incision to assist root action by preventing evaporation. In the ( case of evergreens and strong growing plants which may become moved about by strong winds, it is advisable to place stakes around in order that growth may bo secured at once, or in the case of deciduous subjects, immediately sufficient growth has developed. Otherwise movement in tho early stages may destroy the newly forming roots. There are sonfe Instances where incisions are unnecessary, the .plants taking hold freely when brought into contact with the soil, while such things as Daphnes, Friezas, Camellias and RlTododendrons, will take root freely if opened out and pegged down with plenty of gritty, leafy soil placed about them. In some cases two seasons are necessary before a plant is rooted sufficiently to be removed from its parent; but the .majority may be cut away and transplanted after one summer.

It is sometimes more convenient to layer certain plants, especially climbers, into pots, in which case the pots should be sunk into the ground (o the. lattcr's level and the layer securely fixed to the soil. Various methods arc adopted to preserve moisture in the soil. A good aim pimple method is to place flat stones over the buried part of the layer. Some climbers will root at every joint if laid along: narrow wooden troughs without sinking into the borders to the surface level and pegged at the joints. Points to remember are absolute security of delicate layers and immunity from excessive dryness. Sweet Peas in Pots and Tubs. Surplus plants of Sweet Peas can be turned to good account by potting them into eight or ten-inch pots, tins or tubs. These will be found useful for standing about a garden, for porches, or for bringing indoors occasionally. One does not expect such plants, whose roots are confined in a limited space, to yield blossoms so line as those grown in prepared trenches in the open ground, but it is surprising what quantities I of bloom may be gathered during the season, more especially if the j plants are helped from time to time | with weak stimulants. Seedlings j

j which appear too thickly in the | open ground will, if lifted, shift well into pots, provided care is exercised.