GARDENING IN THE WAIMARINO

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 11, 16 August 1983, Page 14

GARDENING IN THE WAIMARINO

By now daffodils will be pushing through the soil in the Waimarino area and most people will have found a space for these lovely bulbs as they bring real joy after the dreary winter months. Most garden soils containing some organic matter suit Narcissi, but if a fertilizer was not given at planting

time on bulbs not lifted from the previous year, a booster of bulb manure sprinkled around the leaves will be beneficial. It should be applied as soon as possible but do not allow it to touch as burning may occur. Spray now and also after flowering with a good insecticide to combat the

Narcissus fly, and also be sure to let the leaves die naturally as they provide the food for next year's spring flowers. Roses Mid August to mid September is soon enough to prune roses in this area. If the new growth is coming away strongly now, it may be alright to cut some of the top growth back, but be pre-pared to have to cut back further if there is frost damage. Start by cutting out all dead wood and spindly growth — anything thinner than a pencil — reduce the main stems by about one third. Cut just above an outward facing bud, slanting the cut down away from the bud. Try to keep the centre of the bush open and cut back any branches that cross another. It is a good idea to scrape the bark off the union. Do this carefully with a sharp knife as there may be dormant buds that will provide new branches. Try to achieve a round shaped bush. Pick up and burn all leaves from around the bushes as they could be harbouring fungoid diseases. After pruning spray with Cuprox and white oil and be sure to give the soil surface a good coverage as well. Start a regular spraying programme 2 or 3 weeks after pruning. 'Shield' is a good all purpose spray to use. Once the flower buds start to appear give each bush a couple of handsfull of Rose Fertiliser sprinkled around the drip line and worked in carefully as roses are surface rooting . and don't like their roots disturbed.