FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 December 1938, Page 8

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

FLOWERS AT HOLIDAY TIME. The keen gardener approaches the holiday season with mixed feelings. Her pleasurable anticipation of unaccustomed leisure and change are tempered by the fear that her beloved plants may suffer in her absence. Some are fortunate in having friends who will look in occasionally and give the garden a good watering, but for those who have to leave the place unattended the following hints are given. First of all, the lawns should be cut twice, in opposite directions, that will retard their growth a little till the holidays are over. Lawns that are spongy require some top-dressing, and, if they are turning yellow, they must be well watered.

Give the beds and borders a thorough soaking and remember that it takes a while for the moisture to penetrate to the roots. When the ground dries up a little go over it with the hoe and beak up the surface soil. This will conserve the moisture. Mulching round the roots with a thick layer of lawn clippings or very old manure will keep the roots moist and cool, especially during hot, dry weather. Drastic action is called for on the last day before going away. Cut all .flowers that are open and remove all buds. Roses that have finished flowering for the time being should be gone/ over carefully, all spent blooms and seed pods removed, and any weak, spindly growth should be cut out. A mulch of old manure and grass cuttings will keep the soil cool, and if the bushes are sprayed with lime sulphur there will be no fear of disease attacking them. Plants that require staking should be seen to at once, for growth is rapid during the summer weather, and a storm of wind may do considerable damage to them if they arfe not adequately supported. Pinch back dahlias by taking a few inches from the tops and examine them for caterpillars. Pinch back chrysanthemums also and cut the tips of the side shoots with sharp secateurs. This cutting back makes the plants bushy and strong. Remove any rusty leaves and spray the plants with Bordeaux mixture.

For those who are having a stay-at-home holiday, there are plenty of tasks waiting to be done. Newly-planted shrubs should be kept well watered, as they must not be allowed to dry out before becoming established. They will also benefit by a mulching of well-rotted vegetable matter.

Early summer annuals that have ceased blooming make the flower-beds look untidy; so pull them up, dig over the beds again, and incorporate- some well-rotted manure with the soil. The vacant spaces can then be filled with fresh seedlings from the seed beds or boxes.