GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 122, 28 May 1954, Page 8

GARDENS IN TAUPO

ROSES FOR WINTER PLANTING

(By

"Flora")

It always seems somewhat strange to be preparing for a planting season at this time of the year. That is to say the putting in of shrubs and trees just when you may be thinking, "Ah! no more growth to speak of, this is where I enjoy a well earned rest." But it is while the shrubs are more or less dormant that they feel the shock of moving the least. If it is an evergreen that you are shifting, do so before the ground becomes really frigid, or else, leave till August. But deciduous trees may be lifted without harm anytime between now and the end of August.

Roses Are Worth While I am not going to tell you that roses are entirely at home in Taupo. But I do think it is well worth having a few and even half a dozen will give you some lovely buds for cutting during the summer months. It is hard to tell just why they are a little difficult to get established in Taupo. Of course the soil plays an important part, and in Taupo it must be built up with manure and compost before planting. Of the weather we have little control, but we can provide shelter and this is a "must" with rose culture in Taupo. But do not overdo it by having them so enclosed that they get no air, for this only encourages dis-i ease. A northerly aspect is ideal, but beware of draughts, they seem to resent them. Planting While the bushes are waiting to be planted, be sure to keep the roots covered, do not allow the fine root-hairs to dry. If they appear somewhat so, when they arrive from the nursery, soak in water for a short while. Plant at least 27 inches apart, spreading out the roots. It is rather hard to get the plant firm enough in our Taupo soil, but do not plant too deeply, just cover the union or join, that is where the hybrid cutting has been grafted onto the stock, usually briar. Fertilisers and Manures Give a yearly dressing of animal manure, if procurable, with a good dressing of the following fertiliser, just as growth commences in the spring and again in late summer: — 3 parts superphosphate, ltpart sulphate of potash, 1 part sulphate of ammonia. Types To Grow Climbers. — These seem to do particularly well in Taupo, but a suitable support must be provided if they are to be seen at their best. Shot Silk and Black Boy are two varieties that enjoy Taupo conditions. Standards. — These are a bit risky unless you are able to give them adequate shelter and support. Two varieties that grow particularly well as standards are President H. Hoover and Christopher Stone. Bush.— These are more easily managed than either of the above. There are many lovely varieties to choose from, but two of the best for Taupo are Peace and McCready's Yellow. Florabundas. — These are a comparatively new race of roses. They must not be confused with the Polyantha Roses, which were very popular a few years ago but have gradually been discarded, as they were ready victims of mildew and blackspot. Two lovely varieties are

Frensham, bright red, and Fashion, a salmon peach. Miniature or Fairy Roses. — These are very appealing, and may be grown in' pots or on the Rockery. They will flower when only two inches high, and if grown indoors will produce flowers practically the whole year round. Rose Species. — These have become very popular during the last few years. Most have single flowers with large stamens, later *producing brightly coloured hips. Austrian Copper and Rosa Moyesii are two that can be recommended.