112 



IRISH GARDENING. 



Peas. — As soon as the rows are cleared of their 

 crops clear off the ground and utilise the supports, 

 if required, for the later sowings. A mulching of 

 strawy litter beside the rows will, in the event of 

 a dry* spell, do much to lessen the evils arising 

 from* drought at the roots. Hawfinches in some 

 localities cause much mischief, also tits, and 

 netting becomes an absolute necessity, as the 

 latter are not so easily scared. 



Spinach. — Thin out the seedlings as soon as 

 large enough, and allow the plants plenty of room, 

 as overcrowding only gives rise to stunted plants 

 and premature flowering. 



HEAKAI.E. — If not already done, reduce the 

 growths to one, and keep the ground clean 

 between the rows by the use of the hoe, which 

 will also stimulate growth and produce large 

 succulent foliage, which will in time smother the 

 weeds. 



Tomatoes. — The condition of the outside crops 

 will be influenced by the weather, position and 

 the nature of the plants at the time they were put 

 out. Keep the plants free from superfluous 

 growths, and when three or four good trusses of 

 frviit are set stop the leader and feed liberally. 

 Make further sowings of Kadish, Lettuce, stump- 

 rooted Carrots and Turnips. 



The Hardy Fruit Garden. 



By present appearances the Apple crop is likely 

 to be disappointing, and especially after such a 

 wealth of blossom. 



Fortunately with us most other fruits have set 

 an abundant crop, and should be thinned, 

 especially from those trees that carried fair crops 

 last season and are not making too gross a 

 growth. Continue to carry out the summer 

 pruning, which will also assist in keeping the 

 trees free from aphis, as it is in the point that 

 infestation occurs. Now that the fruit is swelling 

 it will also admit a freer circulation of light and 

 air necessary for their free development, and on 

 walls that have to be netted this is much more 

 conveniently done. Peaches and Nectarines, and 

 especially those growing under permanent copings, 

 will need frequent syringings to keep the foliage 

 clean, and also plenty of water at the roots. 

 As soon as stoning is completed and the fruits 

 are seen to be on the move again, a final thinning 

 can be done, according to what the tree is best 

 able to bear. Young trees that are inclined to 

 make strong growths should be checked by 

 allowing them to carry as much fruit as they can, 

 even if it results in second rate qviality. When 

 thinning, if possible, I like to leave one fruit to 

 each growth, and although this may result in 

 two or more fruits being very close to each other, 

 I consider it preferable to leaving two on the one 

 growth. Morello Cherries have set a wonderful 

 crop, and unless these drop very freely it will 

 be well to thin out for cooking as soon as there is 

 sufficient colour to warrant tihis. Strawberries, 

 as they pass out of fruiting, should be cleared of 

 all surplus runners and weed growth and the beds 

 hoed through. Some growers, I believe, burn off 

 the beds, and with beneficial results where 

 infected with disease. Layers shoidd, if possible, 

 be taken from young plants, and if required, for 

 forcing, pegged down into small pots filled with 

 good loamy soil. No crocking is necessary, just 

 a barrow load of pots and one of soil, and fill them 

 up on the spot. Pegs may be made from stalks of 

 bracken and bent in the middle, but the best 

 niethod that 1 have come across is to save young 



growths of Willows in the winter and soak over- 

 night in a tank of water : cut these into lengths 

 and bend as required. Give the plants a good 

 soaking with a rose can, and leave them until well 

 rooted before severing from tlie parent jjlant. 



The Flower Garden. 



It is an ill wind that blows nobody good, and 

 though the showery weather of late has been 

 against the ei'adication of weeds, it has neverthe- 

 less saved an immense amount of labour in this 

 department and proved of greater value than 

 artificial watering, and gave the plants a good 

 start. Plants in vases, however, will need to be 

 frequently examined for water, otherwise these 

 will suffer, and such things as Bays and other 

 plants in tubs and pots. Attend to the staking 

 and tying of Dahlias and other plants, and thin 

 the growths where too crowded. Continue to peg 

 down the growths of Ivy Geranium, Verbenas, 

 and similar plants, and keep the flowers I'emoved 

 to encourage a free growth. Stake border Carna- 

 tions, and the use of the spiral wire supports will 

 save a lot of tying and labour. Keep the ground 

 clear between Violets, and syringe them if infested 

 with red spider. Keep the hoe going between 

 boi'der Chrysanthemums, and stake the plants, 

 and tie up the growths before they get too long 

 to be damaged by the wind. Keep the flowers 

 picked regularly from Sweet Peas unless seed is 

 required, as better flowers and longer stalks, so 

 useful for decorati","e purposes, will tlien be 

 obtained. Tulips that have been lifted should be 

 well ripened off before being stored away prepai'a- 

 tory to planting again. Take pipings of Pinks 

 after flowering and strike them under a north 

 wall xmder a handlight in sandy soil, and layer 

 border Carnations towards the end of the nionth, 

 thinning out the growtlis and layering the best, 

 adding a sharp mixture around the plant for the 

 purpose. Spray Roses against mildew with 

 extract of quassia Abol insecticide, sulphide of 

 potassium or some other preparation as good. 

 Apply weed killers to garden walks and drives, 

 using every precaution against domestic fowls 

 and other bird-eating worms. 



Paeonies. 



These are among our most effective garden 

 plants : beautiful to look at, easily grown, and 

 invaluable for cut-flower work. They are not 

 particular as to position, sun or shade, but if 

 planted in shade or semi-shade they will last 

 much longer in fiuwer. Many people have a 

 strong objection to double flowers as being- 

 coarse and heavy, but no one, not even tlie most 

 fastidious, if they have once seen some of the 

 double herbaceous Paeonies in flower, covxld raise 

 any objection to tliem. They are very beautiful, 

 and the glossy foliage and wonderful range of 

 colours make a very brilliant show. Tliey also 

 liave a delicious perfume, peculiar to tliem, which 

 on a warm, sunny day can be detected at a. con- 

 siderable distance from the plants. Early planting 

 is essential to success, and this sliould be done in 

 September in deeply dug ordinary garden soil. 

 Good results should not be looked for the first 

 year after planting, but after that results will be 

 up to expectations. A good reliable nurseryman 

 will give a selection if asked, but the names are 

 so many and the different varieties so great that 

 it would be impossible here to give a list of what 

 to plant. 11. M. P. (Dublin). 



