KEEPING UNDER CONTROL
When the garden was first planted, space was allotted to allow
for the growth of each plant and as your own "Minister of Works"
it is necessary to ensure that plants do not trespass beyond the
space and the size that you have allowed them. The growth and
shape is controlled by pruning or cutting back.
The thinning out should be done early, before it has overgrown. Dwarf trees may need pinching off superfluous growths
in the spring to retain their shape and size. Flowering shrubs,
including roses, should have dead flower heads cut away, and are
pruned or cut to shape immediately after the flowering season.
This is also the best time to divide or cut back any flowering
plants. Plants of creeping and carpeting habits must be kept in
check promptly, particularly if they have a fairly rapid growth.
They can be easily divided with a table fork and the hands,
removing slightly more than is necessary to allow for new growth
to develop.
Weeds, or any plants growing in the wrong places, should be
removed immediately.
UNDECLARED WAR IN THE MINIATURE GARDEN
As your own "Minister of Defence" you must be constantly
alert and ready to take immediate action against hostile forces.
Your green and fertile garden is most tempting to many rapacious
and pillaging marauders who ignore boundaries and notices.
The only possible action is prompt and ruthless extermination.
It is a pity that these pests are not also in miniature proportions,
but they are the normal species of the ordinary garden and therefore their effect is noticeable more quickly. Many gardens are
comparatively free from attack but it is always well to be prepared.
As a general rule, slow-moving creatures are pests in the garden
and quick-moving insects are the gardener's friends (because they
feed on the pests). The most common enemies, both out of doors
and in the greenhouse are the Aphides (or greenfly) and their
relations such as the Mealy Bugs. They are sucking insects,
usually green or black, and are found on foliage, buds and particularly new growths. They multiply with unbelievable rapidity
so should be attacked on sight. Spray with a dilution of liquid
Derris, taking care to include the under surfaces and crevices as
well as the visible ones. It is a sound plan to spray several times
again at intervals of a few days after the first to exterminate new
arrivals which may have hatched out in the interim. If the Derris
spray is not effective against tough opponents it will be necessary
to use a stronger solution, preferably of a nicotine base.
|
|
