GARDEN NOTES.

Shannon News, 1 October 1929, Page 4

GARDEN NOTES.

RQiitihe, WorJK in the Flower Borders. -<QoM snaps continue-to hamper the work'among the flower borders, and the wise gardener will not yet attempt to plant out those things which are heat loving, such .as zinnias, asters, bonfire / drummondi, etc. '' All -hardy annuals may be safely transplanted in the open borders, or g.oed sown.

Sow more sweet peas about the end of the month to give ultra late blooms. Plant out hollyhocks. Prevent all .bulbous things from seeding as ripening seed only weakens the bulb. Mulch roses with manure this month. Plant out pansies in rich soil. Continue planting shrubs, and hedge plants. Complete the work of planting Alpines in the rock garden. Hand weed lawns to remove plantains, dandeildons, etc. - Apply lawn .sand.

Prune rampant-growing rock plants, if at all inclined to over-run their quarters.

■ Remove dwrl flowers from rock plants as fast as they go out of bloom. Continue the routine work of staking and tying up, especially the sweet ' peas; also the protecting of choice plants from garden,enemies. Trim up both plant and grass edgings to give the garden a neat, smart appearance.

The Vegetable Garden. Advantage must be taken of all fine spells to push on with the sowing and planting of vegetables. With the exception of French beans, pumpkins, marrows, cucumber, tomato, and winter greens, most others can be sown or planted,' as weather and soil conditions permit. ' Turnips are valuable as an early maturing vegetable, but if sown just before rain, the see>d will burst, "and therefore not germinate. Make small sowings of most things, until the weather is more settled. Hoe strawberry beds as frequently as possible to keep down weeds; where the soil has become impoverished, fork in a liberal dressing of blood and bone manure, and soot, if available, finishing off with a mulch of well decayed manure. If fruit trees are planted late in the season, give them a mulch to help keep the soil moist. Do not adlow the soil to cake around them. Planting. Whether in making a new garden or improving an old one, it is a great thing to know what one wants and where to put it. In many gardens, shrubs and other plants undergo an annual shift, and more often than not. it is a ease of the ultimate survival of the fittest.' The daphne tree does not make sufficient growth where it was put the first season, hence it is deemed advisable to give it a shift. The next, the rhododendron tree looks seedy, and cannot possi'bly have been planted in the right place, and so we go on, experimenting and hesitating over the right and wrong way. A thorough knowledge of each shrub or plant's requirements as to soil, need of shelter, or sunshine, would do away with these annual shifts, which in many eases end fatally for the plant. However much we may desire a certain plant or shrub, if suitable conditions for its successful growth are not to be had in the garden it is wiser to substitute something else. A sickly plant can never give cither pleasure or satisfaction. A lover of sunshine will not do in shade, and vice versa. Wood Preservatives. Rose poles, trellis poles, pergola poles etc., will not last long uness the .wood is' treated in some way before the poles are let into the ground. The best method of preservation is to paint the portions of the poles to be buried, with hot tar or pitch. As regards the wood which is above the ground, this, toe, should be treated especially in districts- where the rainfall is heavy. Apart from advertised proprietary wood preservatives'nothing is better than ordinary creosote. Two or three liberal paintings of this will increase the life of such poles by many years, and will not injure the plants in the least.

Aubretias. It is not only to the owner of a mc.k garden that aubretias are looked upon as almost indispensable' in the spring display, but also to those who have rockeries, rough walls, and banks about their gardens, where these plants in their season bring such glorious sheets of colour. Also the aubrotia forms a charming edging for bordering the rose garden. Unfortunately, few look apon the time immediately they have ceased to bloom as being the best for taking cuttings of one's stock, or in making a sowing of seed with the object of getting other varieties. As a rule most gardeners regard spring and autumn a 9 the two great propagating seasons, and overlook the fact that just after aubretias havo bloomed, one can take cuttings and te assured that, witl; ;. care, they will take root. The advantage of this method lies in the fact • r • that nice-sized clumps are then ready for tno Sipring blooming. The cut- ■ , tings may be cither put where they are :' to.remain, or placed in reserve in the ;"'-: vegetable garden, transplanting to ;/■-' permanent quarters when the autumn

rains commence. In taking cuttings cut .theim off near a joint. I Where aubretias are wanted to grow in a rough wall, often the most success follows sowing seed in the niches, the roots of seedlings finding their way into small spaces and getting accustomed to growing in a cramped environment. Everlasting Flowers. When refilling the borders, a place should be found for some of the socalled "everlastings." For winter decoration floweirs of this description arc very useful. Some of them are perennial and quite hardy, among them being .the, many varieties of statice, with broad spreading panicles, echin.ops or globe thistles, eryngiums, knowns as sea hollies, physalises, with beautiful capo gooseberry shaped fruits of glowing colours. Then the oldfashioned honesty is still a favourite with many, with its seed pods of silvery hue. Two very . pretty annuals which can be grown in any sunny garden in quite ordinary soil are helichrysunis- and acroeliniums. The flowers are daisy-like in shape, and very free bloomers.

All everlasting flowers mentioned, except physalises and honesty, should be gathered when half expanded and dried. Arranged with a few grasses or bracken, they brighten up dull corners during the winter months when flowers arc scarce. Physalis, with it? bladder-like calyxes is much sought after for winter decoration, and yet.so comparatively few grow them. Given a sunny border they are not difficult to cultivate. They may be grown from seed, cuttings, or division of the roots in autumn or spring. The Stems of Tree Ferns.

As year by year tree ferns increase in stature, the annual removal of '.he current season's fronds gives the stems rather a bare a>nd unfiinished appearance. One gardener who has a useful collection of considerable size, has experimented with various plants for growing on these same bare trunks.

The work was cautiously dono until it was found that the parasites did not interfere with the health of tihe ferns, until, in the course of a few years, the bare stems were converted into things of beauty. The earlier plants to be empioyeii were adiantunis. " There grew like weeds, and encouraged by success, small pieces of rex begonia were added. They, too, grew luxuriantly, together with many other things. Finally it was determined to give orchids a trial ,and for this purpose some spare pieces of oncidium lance'anum were chosen. This is not a very easy orchid, but on the stems of the tree-ferns it grew vigorously, while it flowered freelv.

Watering at first presented difficulties, but ultimately it was found that by watering from the top of the stem, the water ran down and reached every root without marring flowers or foli age. Those who may possess a tree fern or two may also liko to experiment, and finally appreciate the difference which such treatment makes in the appearance of the plants. Scarlet Runners. Make preparations for this important crop and bear in mind they pay for good cultivation. They succeed n trenches at the bottom of which shouid bo some decayed manure, and ashes from the rubbish fire may be incorporated with the soil. The top of the trench should be a few inches be low the surrounding ground. Then water can be afforded readily during a spell of dry weather.

Value of Wood Ashes.. The value of wood ashes in gardens, both for fruit, flower, and vegetable growing, cannot be over-estimated. They not only act as a fertiliser, but also as valuable agents in raising the' temperature of cold soils, besides operating in a beneficial manner in keeping them open, and so rendering them more easily worked. On light soils, wood ashes are also serviceable, the lighter the character of the Maple thi lews need there is for application jen.orally, the exceptions being in case': where wirc.\orm and maggot ar-troubles-ome, and where the soil has b ■• C'Oine nothing but a mass of tiunm: from repeated and heavy dressings of manure. This latter is often found t.) be the case where the soil-is anything 'jut light, and although' the presence )f S'O much hunjus is not then quite so detrimental, both in this and the former instance the soil would be greatly benefited by the application of a good dressing of wood ashes for a season or two in lieu of manure.

Those wood ashes, containing a considerable amount of carbonate of potash, the quantity varying according to the materials used at the time of burning, .sweeten humus-laden soils, and counteract the evils arising from a too free use'of organic manures. Again, the more charcoal the ashes contain, the more is their value enhanced, as this takes up and retains moisture, which is thus ready stored, for absorption' by the roots of plants, when they come into contact with it.

On wireworm, and maggot infested soils wood ashes are of especial value, as they greatly assist in getting rid of these troublesome pests if their application is steadily persisted in.

For sowing in potato drills after the planting is finished, and before closing in the drills, they are of the utmost service, and act as a flrst-rate fertil-

iser. For getting rid of fly on all the brassiea, or cabbage tribe, nothing can equal wood ashes, only they must be applied in a dry state, while they can also be used on turnips with similar results.

The use- of wood ashes m connection with fruit-growing is also well known. Here they are valuable in many ways, but principally for incorporating with other constituents when forming new fruit tree borders. As a surface dressing for fruit trees, wood ashes play an important part, as, in addition to their mannrial aid, they also heighten the colour of the fruit. Wood ashes are also useful in the eradication of moss on lawns. Springtime. September days awaken tihe enthusiasm of the true garden lover. In the

shrubbery and in the borders, something arrests interest and attention as each day passes. • Plump buds on rhododendron trees remind us that a little manure will be greatly appreciated, while the swelling buds of the fragrant lilac love to have a little lime at their base. Shrubs arc too often looked upon as something that.does not require manure. Eosc beds, too, are commencing to send forth new growths and likewise could very N wcll do with o- little -stimulant. The blue cconat-hus

is just commenicing to show tips of lovely blue, with many of the cas fast displaying their charms. Prun-* us trees, the bowers of which arc on the wane, are acquiring fresh beauty with the appearance of tender reddish loaves, while the dear old-fashioned rosemary charms with its wealth of greyish blue flowers. Cistus bushes in warm corners are daily opening more and more of their/pretty poppy-like blooms. Pergolas? clad with blue har-

denbergia- and yellow jasmine, are a pretty picture. ' A quieter note is furniyhed with the trellis of Argentine pea, just commencing to bloom, accompanied by pink hardenbergia, with a few clumps of the ever blooming laven-

der making a pretty finish at the base. But it is in the borders that we 1 find our chiof delight. The scent of'primroses assails the nostrils, clumps and clumps of them to icvel in, white, red,

yollow, purple, and mil we, with many intermingling shades; wo love tnem all. Violet's arc at their zenith, literally sheets of purple. Borders da voted'to that most charming of all bo* I'->r-ing plants, the aubretia, are a wo-fi.ler ful sight, and make one pausw m w m •Jer why they are noi more often seen in sni: gardens. Dainty spikes of the blue hyacinth arc bewitching- their white-tipped blooms are ever welcome. Anemones and ranunculi gradually unfold more and more blooms, and a search among the foliage'of the former reveals large numbers of the quaint buds turned earthwards. A warm, sheltered spot reserved for anemone

fulgens is a joy during spring. The dainty rod blooms, both double and single, arc wonderfully attractive. Work for the Week. Tulips are making good growth. Work in a little old manure among them to increase the size of the blooms.

Keep all weeds down in the borders. They should on no account be allowed to gain the benefit of that top-dressing of manure which was given during late autumn.

' Plant largely of catmint, for bordering and for small bods, its beauty will please. ■' Well manure a bed for the pansies; their sunny faces will be missed if they tfTC not.included.

Plant stocks in Hie heft drained and sweetest soil in the garden. Thin out autumn sown peas to a 1 lea«t six inches apart; the difference ii' blooms and length of flowering will rep.'sy- this attention. Plant "cinerarias in shady nooks; their brilliant flowers are delightful.

Pay particular attention to. the loosening of the soil round all growing things. 9 Continue planting shrubs and hardy plants.

Continue sowing hardy seeds. In the vegetable garden, the amount P work' done largely depend on so'' -.id weather con-lit io-.s. s

Erery effort sV.nvld be made to pro ' • vegetables as early as possible. Plant out onion, lettuce, cabbage nn>' •n'iilower. £o\y pee,'! of the above for rotation. Sow mustard, cress, and radish for winds.

Prepare all ground as quickly as po Ido for the main supplies.

Sow spinach, turnip, and Whorf-hom carrbt.

Raising Seedlings in Boxes

Where there are no facilities for raising seedlings earl/, in heat, nothing is to be. gained by sowng the seeds too soon. The middle of September is a' very good time for the general run 'of summer bedding plants, with the exception of zinnias, asters, and salvias, and other things which do not sewn to make a move until really warm weather sets in. A few hardy annuals may be sown where they are to re/main, such as poppies and larkspurs, but the majority are safer in boxes in case of a cold unexpected snap in the weather.

A word first a.s to soil. Should it. bo rich? No. Should it be poor? Again no. It should contain no fresh manures whatever, unless it bo a little pressed into the bottom of the box to promote warmth. The soil should have in moderation just a few elements of plant food, perhaps, left in it from manures not used up bjr some previous

crop. It need not be new soil, but it must be freak and weathered, light and open in character, with sand a,dded if necessary to make it so. Warmth, moisture and darkness contribute 'to germination. As the seedling send.- its head up through the soil, it at the name time drives a tiny root down into it and until that root has developed, it can take in nothing but moisture.-The probability is that if it came-into contact with fresh manure, it would rot, .then the seedling would probably go off jusit at its collar, and this is what we '■oa.ll "damping off." This is a disease brought about by bad conditions (usually something to do with moisture) in which a minute fungus communicates Uself with great rapidity from plajit 'to plant, especially among young seedlings. • This, however, is never seen when soil and atmospheric conditions are favourable. Seeds that are covered with brown paper and then a sheet of glass conic up in half the time of those uncovered. One goo ddamping before covering up is sufficient to germinate them.

Beautify Your Frontage,

Town dwellers and dwellers in vil

lages who are in possesion of a garden j in front of their dwellings, should real--1 isc that, tihis possession imposes on I them a civic duty and that this plot, be

it large or small, adds to the general appearance of the townsihip. . It is deplorable that in many such places no

attention whatever is paid by the owner to the front plot, so that the appearance of the whole suffers through lack of civic pride of the few. The law lays it down that we must keep our children clean and our animals in a sanitary condition, but it is left to private enterprise to encourage tllO growing of flowers and attention to gardens in cities. We may yet sec the law make it compulsory for proper-

ty owners to put their front gardens in order and forbid them to turn their plots into a builder's yard, or receptacle for .all sorts of rubbish. Such a regulation would transform many paces, where the unsightly spots mar perfect harmony . Climbing Roses. There arc now so many fine things

among climbing roses that it is little wonder they become increasingly popular. Planted on poles, pillars, perg'olas, or trellis work, they may be placed practically anywhere without going to much expense in preparing the sites. Pillar roses, too,' are delightful- to use for pergolas combined with montana clematis for covering over the top portion. -Climbing ruses are among the best of things to use for a dividing hedge between flower and vegetable garden. Given a rough support to the desired height, they will quickly cover it and provide an effective screen. The American Pillar, is particularly useful for this purpose, as its foliage is at ail times attractive, while the handsome sprays of single pink flowers are very

.showy. Whether grown from cuttings or plants, they should be pruned back a little to encourage a bushy habit. Naturalising Bulbs.

Considering the art now displayed in arranging and naturalising bulbs, it is not, surprising to find admirers of spring effects on the increase. One has only to get a glmpsc at a nicely arranged vista of bulbs to become an enthusiast. We now deck grassy banks, the base of hedges under deciduous trees with gay spring bulbs, thus relieving over-crowded beds and bord-

ers. Many arc able to r>rocurc expensive bulbs for this work, but even so, it is better to plant all kinds. The cheap kinds enhance the charm of the richer varieties, and in naturalising and massing the cheap varieties yield splendid results. Gentians for the Rock Garden. Gentians, of which the majority are among the most' beautiful of known Alpine plants, comprise G. aeaulis, a graii'd piau't' forming dense mats of evergreen leaves from which appear in spring numbers of striking blue trumpets. This plant loves to roam in heavy loamy soil, and enjoys moisture. G. Farreri, from China, when seen at its best, is a plant of' wondrous beauty, the plants being literally covered with ■tubular flowers, each two -inches long tux! of a silvery blue, with white throat. This gem of the rock garden enjoys a loamy soil to which has been added peat and leaf soil. It blooms in

autumn. Another autumn bloomer is the handgime G. sino-ornata, a prostrate plant, which iir cool, moist, peaty soils becomes a colony of wiry growths from the tips of which emerge great ;-:appl)iri' trumpets,, stripped outside witii dull blue. G. Verna is a tiny gem of the Alpine flora, and wheal well groan and flu. we red is the joy of the Alpine grower. A cool and very sandy soil to which has been added well decayed leaf soil it enjoys. Coolness at the roots is .essential, and not the hot, scorching raised pockets high up on the rock <.g.arden, where it is often unfortunately placed. Two other plants are of •outstanding merit —arenaria montana, and tropaeoluiii polyphyllum. The former is one of the best Alpine plants known. Plant

it near the ledge of rocks over which its folds of large s-nowy white flowers m;;y fall and it will attract the attention of everyone, so handsome is the effect of its trailing masses of bloom. The latter plant is a glorious one for the cool part of the garden, where, its four feet long, siutke-like growths of glaucous blue shade may •crawl and fall over the ledges to display their beauti!ul yellow blooms. It is one of the nui'St beautiful plants in cultivation, and is a native of Chili.