GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 25, 2 July 1952, Page 4

GARDENS IN TAUPO

WIN TER JOBS TO BE DONE (By "Flora.") So busy have we been the last few weeks, ordering our shrubs for the winter plantings, that we have rather over-looked the actual work to be carried out. We are all inclined to sit back during these winters, thinking that beCause there is no growth, there is nothing to be done. We are indeed fortunate in Taupo, no matter what amount of rain falls — and we have surely had our share the last month — yvithin a few hours of its ceasing we can start work witbout fear of water splashing round our ankles, and mud oozing under our feet. Pruning of the fruit trees can safely be done now; but leave the roses till at least, the beginning of August. Burn all prunings. Winter spraying can be done now. But it would be as well to wait till the weather is more settled. A lot of good would be lost if the spray is washed off the next day. Plant all kinds of perennials in the mixed border, while the soil remains frost free. Watch the brassica crops tread those that have been loosened. V Lift and replant Rhubarib. Examine the galdioli corns. If you havenT cleaned them yet, do so; discarding any badly diseased ones. Take care to keep them stored in a dry shed or mildew will soon attack them. Wheel manure and compost on tp the beds ready for spreading and forking in. The Grass Grub Pest. Unfortunately this year many of our lawns are infeeted with grassgruh; giving a general browned off appearance, Soon the blaek-birds and starlings arrive. Certainly they do good by eating untold numbers, The Starling is a neat forager, mostly boring holes to extract his prey; but the black bird has different tactics ; in his impatience to obtain his breakfast, he scatters earth and grass in all direetions; he leaves behind a scjfene of ruin. All that can be done at the present time is to eover such places with fresh soil to encourage what grass roots are left to come away in the spring. In fact it migbt be necessary to scatter seed on these bare spots later in the year. The Iris Stylosa. Do you all know Iris iStylosa? It is unusually valuable in that it flowers from mid-winter to early spring. Its spearshaped buds are appearing now. If picked at this stage, they will be undamaged and will soon open indoors, where they keep fresh for several d^ys. There is the dark mauvc, pale mauve. They are very hardy, do best in a poor well-drained soil, and sunny position. Plant in the autumn by division. Once you ha^e a clump estabiished, leave them till the clump becomes too large, they dislike being disturbed, and it iften takes a year or two for them to fiower after being shifted. Their chief objection is their untidy manner cf growth, so plant in a not too conspicuous position. If the foliage gets too rampant it can be eut back after flowering. Plant no seeds now.