FLOWER GARDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 136, 10 June 1898, Page 3

FLOWER GARDEN.

During1 the splendid weather which we had for more than a month back all the rough work in the garden should have been got well forward. Where this is not the ease every opportunity should be taken while the soil is dry to finish manuring and digging the beds and borders. This work should never be done while the soil is in ft wet, cold state. Continue the lifting, planting, and re-arrangement of all kinds of shrubs. If new plants are required they should be at oncj obtained and planted as soon as possible. Early planting- is advisable as the plants get well established before the warm weather of spring- seta in. Whenever possible the planting' of hardy annuals and perennials should from time to time be made. When planting- see that the soil of the beds or borders is dry enough. When dry enough the soil does not adhere to the boots or the tools when planting. When it sticks like putty to the feet defer planting till it is dryer. When planting- always try and get a little ball of earth attached to the roots of each plant. Cinerarias, in sheltered, well manured positions, are looking well. In some positions the foliage was nipped by the late frosts but these ore beginning to recover. Stir the soil well about the plants and in poor soils give liquid manure occasionally. Ranunculi and antraones though not so forward as last season are still looking well and promise a good show later on. Narcissi, tulips, bulbs, etc., are growing well. The soil should be kept free and open

about them. Camellias are now flo'wenng bm, )ik e u |l other plants, are inter this season, consequent upon the dry autumn. Mulch all the plants with well-rotted manure. The same treatment would also assist the rhododendrons and azaleas in lowering later on. Chrysanthemums are now done for n U! season. The plants should be cut, hard back to the ground I he stools ought, also to be lilted and ■planted close tog-ell)or so that slugs can more easily be kept oil' them. 1; ailing leaves from the trees .should frequently be swept up. if placed on the rubbish heap they will make a splendid addition 1o the manure for the garden. Roll the lawns 'frequently while the soil is in a. dry state. Never allow the water to break into puddles. A little gravel placed on th« soft places will cause the surface to bind again.