June 4, 1898. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
EALING GARDENERS. 
On the 21st ult. about forty members of the Ealing 
and District Gardeners’ Society paid an afternoon 
visit to Gunnersbury House, Acton, at the instance of 
that well-known and much-respected horticulturist, 
Mr. James Hudson, who so ably presides over this 
establishment. Tea was provided at 6 o'clock, 
through the generosity of Leopold de Rothschild, 
Esq., Mrs. Hudson presiding, while Mrs. Snow may 
be said to have occupied the vice-chair. After full 
justice had been done to the repast, Mr. C. B. Green 
proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and 
Mrs. Hudson for their kindness in making such 
admirable arrangements on their behalf. This was 
duly seconded by Mr. F. Read, and met with an 
enthusiastic reception. Mr. Hudson replied very 
favourably, and said that he was always pleased to 
assist the members of this society, or otherwise to 
advance, as far as lay in his power, the interests of 
gardening generally. 
The tea took place in the long room known as the 
“ Museum,” overlooking the terrace, the lawn, the 
lake, and the beautiful trees beyond. These latter 
being just now in their full spring glory of many 
hues and tints, the view from the windows was very 
fine. The Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other 
shrubs also contributed to the general effect, while 
the verdure of the grass was at its very best. The 
grounds of Gunnersbury House are not extensive, 
but the art which does mend Nature has been so 
aptly employed that Nature might well complain 
that she has been practically superseded. 
After an inspection of the scented-leaved Pelar¬ 
goniums, of which there is a unique collection, the 
party descended the sloping lawn, noting here and 
there fine specimen plants, shrubs, or trees. The 
Judas Tree (Cercis Siliquastrium) came in for much 
comment on account of its associations, and the 
fact that it was completely smothered with bright 
purple flowers. Some clumps of hardy Bamboos 
attracted notice, while the choice assortment of 
Nymphaes in the lake, although not in bloom, were 
much admired. Thence the glasshouses were 
visited, the ventilation noted, the remarkable pro¬ 
ductiveness of the fruit trees, the size and quality of 
the fruit, the vigour and health of the various 
subjects under Mr. Hudson’s care, the order and 
cleanliness everywhere apparent, the condition of 
the Vines, Peaches, Nectarines, &c. All these things 
were so many object lessons to the visitors, and so 
much testimony to the skill and ability of Mr. 
Hudson and his staff. 
From the fruit under glass to the fruit in the 
orchard and on the walls is not a long way—except 
in point of time—for while the former has arrived 
at the acme of perfection under the watchful eye of 
the cultivator, the latter has yet to run the gauntlet 
of the vicissitudes of our changeful clime. The 
vegetable department also was inspected and 
approved, and much valuable information thereby 
imparted. As Gunnersbury House Gardens have 
been frequently reported on in these columns It is 
unnecessary to say more than that those who were 
privileged to perambulate them were amply 
rewarded, and expressed themselves in such terms 
as only the practical gardener can. 
Tlie Oicfilfl Grower’s Calendar. 
Aerides. —This is one of those beautiful genera of 
Orchids, which at present are somewhat out of 
fashion, the reason being, perhaps, that they do not 
lend themselves to the wiles of the florist as do such 
kinds as Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, &c. 
Only in a few representative collections do we find 
them appreciated as they deserve. 
Coming as they do from India and tropical Asia, 
it is easy to see that to grow them well they should 
be accommodated with plenty of heat and moisture. 
Collectors tell us that they are found clinging to 
branches of trees which overhaog running streams of 
water, so that to succeed we should as far as practic¬ 
able follow the dictates of nature in this respect by 
putting shallow tanks underneath the middle stages. 
The growing season is from April to October, 
during which time the night temperature should 
range from 70° at night to 85° to go 0 by day with 
sun-heat. They must, of course, be shaded from the 
direct rays of the sun, or considerable damage will 
be done to the foliage; but a deep and constant 
shade should be avoided, or they will flower but 
sparsely. They may be grown in baskets, pots or 
pans ; but, in any case, the drainage must be ample, 
so that the copious supplies of water which they 
require during the growing season may pass freely 
away. 
Sphagnum moss and potsherds broken up fine and 
mixed are about the best materials to grow them in, 
although they do not object to a layer of good peat 
underneath a top-dressing of moss. This genus may 
be said never to rest, and, as a natural consequence, 
should never be allowed to get dry. Ae. crassi- 
folium, Ae. crispum, Ae. Fieldingii, and Ae. Law- 
renciae are some of the best. Ae. vandarum differs 
from those mentioned by having terete foliage, which 
points to their being found in rather exposed 
positions, and at times to a lengthened period of 
drought. 
Sir John Kirk grows and flowers it well in a warm 
greenhouse, where it receives but very little shade, 
and to him I am indebted for the above hints 
respecting the climatic conditions in its native home. 
I should say that his plants are growing on rafts 
with just enough sphagnum moss to keep them 
going. 
Potting.— In large collections there is always 
something that requires doing ; and it is better to do 
it even if the season is a bit advanced, than let it go 
undone. 
Cymbidiums. —We have left our spikes on a long 
time—in fact, they are only just cut—so that we are 
late in repotting them. We shall, however, get them 
done at once, giving a gocd shift. The compost we 
find best suited to them is good fibrous loam, peat, 
and a little cow dung, and sand. 
Working the Houses.— The principal work now 
onward is the careful attention to shading, airing, 
and affording plenty of moisture. Our summers are 
all too short, so that we must make the most of them 
by shutting up fairly early, as there is nothing like 
sun-heat.— C. 
Kitctien Barden Calendar. 
Week’s Work.— Since my last remarks were 
penned we have have had some very peculiar 
weather, for on the night of the 12th ult. we registered 
about 8° of frost, and as this was shortly after a 
heavy fall of rain considerable damage was done to 
kitchen garden crops in general. Peas in bloom 
suffered considerably, as many of the early flowers 
were killed. Since that date it has rained more or 
less most days, which has rendered operations on 
stiff land most difficult, and work in this department 
has been almost at a standstill. With us about 3 in. 
of rain has fallen during that period. With such 
weather weeds grow apace, and as the hoe cannot be 
plied with much success, recourse must be bad to 
hand weeding as soon as the soil is sufficiently dry to 
work upon. 
All seedling plants should receive attention at the 
first favourable opportunity. As the soil has now 
been thoroughly moistened, proceed with the plant¬ 
ing out of Cauliflower for Autumn use, also Brussels 
Sprouts, Borecole, Savoys, and early Broccoli. 
With regard to all these, if space cannot be found 
for them to be planted out permanently, better prick 
them off about 6 in. apart, as they will soon spoil if 
allowed to remain close together in the seed bed. 
There has been no lack of all kinds of green vegetables 
this spring, and the late showers having retarded the 
tendency to run to seed abundant supplies may be 
had for some time to come. The tender sprouts of 
Sutton’s Favourite Borecole have been and are still 
much appreciated, while the supplies of Asparagus 
have been more plentiful than usual. Where young 
beds of this vegetable were planted last month the 
plants have made satisfactory progress. Seedling 
plants should be thinned to 6 in. apart as soon as 
large enough to handle, the thinnings if required may 
be transplanted in rows a foot apart, when they will 
make strong plants by the autumn. 
Peas fora late crop should be sown. It is not too 
late yet to sow the best marrow kinds,particularly in 
the southern districts, but further north the second 
earlies will stand a more favourable chance should 
the autumn be wet. Peas sown now will usually 
631 
give a supply in September, while those sown about 
the latter end of June will continue fruiting until 
quite late in the season should the weather be 
favourable. 
Broad Beans are not much in request late in the 
season, but where a constant change of vegetables is 
required these will be found very acceptable. There 
is often much difficulty in growing Broad Beaos so 
late in the season, as the plants frequently suffer 
from the attacks of Aphis. A moist rather rich soil 
should be chosen, that the plants suffer no serious 
check in hot weather. Runner Beans will now be 
making rapid progress. To prevent the young vines 
from becoming entangled put the slakes to them as 
soon as they have made the first rough leaf. These 
may be successfully grown without stakes by pinch¬ 
ing the hearts out of the plants when about six inches 
high, this will induce them to make lateral growths. 
Celery for a succession may now be planted in the 
trenches, and young plants in the seed bed should be 
pricked out. Tomatos should also be planted in 
warm situations such as a south wall or fence. It is 
seldom that those planted in the open quarters ripen 
their fruit satisfactorily, thus causing a waste of time 
and labour. Ridge Cucumbers that were raised in 
frames should now be planted on heaps or ridges out 
in the open. The same remark applies to Vegetable 
Marrows. Continue to make small sowings of 
Turnips, as young tender roots are far preferable to 
those coarse, overgrown specimens one sometimes 
sees. When the weather is favourable plant out 
Lettuce, choosing a piece of well manured ground to 
grow this crop on, for the more moisture the plants 
have the finer and better flavoured will be the result. 
Capsicums may now be planted on the warm border, 
allowing about a foot between the plants. Keep a 
sharp look out for Aphis, as they are often very 
troublesome to these plants .—Kitchen Gardener. 
■ -—•#-- 
©leanings figmt f fje IDmJfi 
of Srieitr^. 
At the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the 
Royal Horticultural Society on the roth ult. the 
undermentioned subjects were discussed. 
Morchella, Species Some specimens were 
sent of a small species of this fungus, which appeared 
in a garden bed ; but the locality was not recorded. 
Peas, Decayed.—Mr. Cook, The Croft, Detling, 
Maidstone, forwarded some young plants of the 
American Wonder,” which had failed to grow. 
They were sown last November, and while many are 
doing well, others close by turned a sickly yellow. 
Mr. Sutton observed that his experience was that no 
wrinkled Peas, as the above, were suitable for autumn 
sowing ; the skins, being more delicate than those of 
round Peas, will not stand the winter so well. This 
was, therefore, the probable cause of failure. 
Freesia Bulbs Arrested. — Mr. F. Egbert 
Hollond, Satis House, Yoxlord, sent some bulbs 
which had been planted last July, had never thrown 
up any leaves, but had formed fresh bulbs upon the 
old ones, which had withered. It appeared to be a 
case common in Potatos, when it is called super- 
tuberation ; fresh tubers being formed at the expense 
of the old ones. It was possibly due to the Freesia 
bulbs having been planted at the wrong time of the 
year, energy being expended in a wrong direction. 
Cineraria Hybrids.—Mr. James, Woodside, 
Farnham Royal, Slough, sent a collection of hybrids 
raised between C. lanata (mother) and the progeny 
of C. cruenta crossed with the garden race. 
They were a small selection of a numerous 
progeny, the greater number of which were said to 
resemble the garden form ; but the present ones had 
a tomentose stem and branches, as well as the under 
surface of the leaves, which also in form resembled 
C. lanata. The blossoms were rather small, some 
being a pure white, others mauve, but remarkable 
for their quantity. Unfortunately the best plant with 
white flowers refuses to set, much, if any seed ; but 
it was hoped that Mr. James would persevere and try 
to establish a new race, which would certainly be 
attractive from the silvery appearance. 
Begonia Leaves Diseased—Mrs. Caddy, Lion 
Gate Gardens, Richmond, sent some leaves decayed 
round the margins. They were forwarded to Mr. 
W. G. Smith for further examination. 
