Gardening Notes.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2820, 11 February 1888, Page 2

Gardening Notes.

Treatment ot Lawns,

Many who own and others who have the care of- lawns are much exercised' ill their minds just now. to know what to do with them; for, in most'cases ; . they are more the color of a brown carpet than that of living grass.' and although the heat lias not been so intense; or the drought so protracted as in previous years, lawns and "pasture- lands are in many cases burnt up, and several inquiries have come to hand to know what is best to be done, either now or subsequently to restore them, as the sward in one or two cases appears-to be hopelessly spoiled. The only answer apphcable, is to leave them alone until a favorable change in the weather comes. In most cases it is only a question of time. The lawn mower must not be used on a burnt lawn. If it is necessary to take oft' long bents or other grasses that may appear, it must be done with the scythe; but the less either of these instruments are used the better, until the weather changes, It is very desirable, too, to keep off all traffic when the grass is much browned, as much wear from constant passing to and fro will do more harm to the grass thau the dry weather, as the crowns will suffer by being worn off by the feet, and will not quickly recover, With regard to present action in the matter of restoration, of course much may be done by copious waterings. It is of 110, use just to sprinkle the ground—a thorough drenching must be given, so that the water may sink well down to the roots. On small lawns, where practicable, shading is a most effective means where restoration is desired quickly. In cases where Grass is much worn, as it is likely to be on tennis grounds, some fine sifted earth, strewn on the s.urface on the approach of rain, would do an immense deal of good; it would serve to make it level, and to nourish the roots of the grass. A dressing of soot, in sufficient quantity to make the surface look pretty dark, would also act as a stimulant to the roots, and would, in all probability, be the means of saving the weaker grasses from getting overpowered by the stronger. Dry weather is useful in one respect in connection with lawns, It finds out the places where the soil is thin and poor, because the sward is always thinnest in such spots, and is the first to give out. These places should be made note of now, and early in May they should receive a good dressing of equal parts of soil and rotten manure. Dry weather also shows where the weeds and strong grasses have taken possession as owing to their being deep rooted subjects, they do not suffer from drought near so soon. Before the grass begins to grow again all big weeds should be dug out with a strong knife, and the strong grasses may be left to be dealt with in the autumn, by taking them away, and laying down a finer quality of seed to take their place. As much as possible, for a few weeks after the change comes, the grass should be allowed to grow unchecked, to give it time to regain some of its lost vigor, and when it is necessary to take off the tops of the longest grasses a scythe should be used for the purpose, taking care not to shave too close until the plants have regained strength,