FLOWER GARDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 52, 2 March 1901, Page 3 (Supplement)

FLOWER GARDEN.

The splendid rain which we received towards the end of last week lias again put new vigour Into nil tho late summer nnd autumn flowering plants. Of course the heavy rain and strong wind stripped a large number of {lowers off the plants, but there tire signs of plenty more coming- on. Chrysanthemums and dahlias: See that each plant is properly stakoi and tho plants tied up so that they may not bo broken with strong winds. Dahlias should have all sepnt flowers pinched, for allowing them to produce seed exhausts the plants. Both of the above require plenty of food in the shape of liquid manure, which they should get at least once a week. Most of the late summer annuals are doing -well, particularly phlox drummondi and petunias. If dry weather sets in see that they and others are supplied with plenty of moisture, so that the display may be kept up as long as possible. Bedding plants are also doing well. See that proper attention is given to pinching back and regulating. The different beds and borders should now receive, a thorough overhaul. All spent annuals should be taken out. Perennials past flowering should have their "flower stalks cut off. other permanent plants regulated, and all tho debris taken away to the rot heap. The beds and borders should have the surface soil thoroughly broken up with the hoc. This will not only kill weeds, but will dso destroy thousands of seedling annuals which are now springing into existence. Cdadio'us bulbs which are now ripe enough should be lifted, dried in the sun for a few days and stored past. A few anomone and ranunculus tubers should be planted so as to get early flowers. Do not as yet plant the main stock of above, as I have found that those planted about the beginning of April always give the best results. Anemone tubers which were left in the ground are, through the moist season, now growing vigorously. They should have the soil stirred about them, and if dry weather sots iri a little liquid manure should be given so as to keep them growing. With luck ?uch should begin to flower about the beginning of April. Camellia, azalea and rhododendrons shrubs are now making their flower buds, and such should be assisted with a little liquid manure occasionally.

Lawns: The grass has been in splendid order during the whole of the summer, and will now continue doing so as the heavy dews which we are now getting wdll keep it growing; therefore, the machine will require to be used at least once a week.