Round the Year in the Garden 



next year they may be comparatively free from harmful 

 pests and diseases. The most troublesome disease, with 

 the possible exception of mildew, is black spot. This 

 forms blackish patches on the leaves and spreads alarm- 

 ingly ; it is destructive because it causes the leaves to 

 fall prematurely. Now that the Roses are dormant 

 one can take stronger measures than are possible 

 when the plants are in leaf, for the stems are not 

 likely to be injured. Bushes and standards which have 

 suffered should be sprayed late in December, and again 

 in January, with a solution of sulphate of copper. One 

 oz. of sulphate of copper in 2 gallons of water is the 

 proportion recommended. This is sprayed over the 

 bushes and on the soil immediately around them. 

 Gathering and burning fallen leaves is also an invaluable 

 help towards getting rid of this harmful disease, which, 

 unfortunately, seems to be on the increase. 



Protecting Roses. In gardens in comparatively 

 mild parts of the country, Hybrid Perpetual and Hybrid 

 Tea Roses really need no protection, but in cold districts 

 it is wise to take precautions. The simplest and best 

 protection for bush or dwarf Roses is afforded by 

 heaping the soil over the'base of the plants. Care must 

 be taken not to draw too much soil away from the 

 roots, otherwise more harm than good may result. The 

 best way to protect standards is to place a little bracken 

 or straw among the shoots. It is important to remove 

 the covering in good time in spring, otherwise the lower 

 buds, to which one prunes, and upon which the display 

 of blossom depends, may start into growth prematurely. 

 Roses on walls do not need protection except in cold 

 localities ; they are fairly well screened, but it is advis- 

 able further to shield tender sorts by means of hay 

 bands or straw or bracken placed among the stems. 



Some Winter Shrubs. Among the comparatively 

 few flowers that one may expect to see out of doors 

 during the winter are those of several shrubs. Com- 



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