THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 40, 16 February 1929, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The Chrysanthemum will demand constant attention. Watch carefully for caterpillars, and, at first sign, spray with arsenate of lead. From now on any buds that appear should be "taken" for producing blooms, unless it is intended to flower the plants on the terminal bud. Rust is also to be considered. The dry weather, especially if the plants are not overwatered, have held the pest in check. Dull weather, however, will soon bring it in evidence. Spraying with lime sulphur will hold rust in check, but the spray must be directed to the underside of the leaves. The topdressiag of the plants with a good rich compost will be beneficial. The topdressing compost can consist of half soil and half decayed cow manure, or a double handful of bonedust and a tablespoonful of sulphate of potash to a kerosene tin of good loam. Dahlias are growing fast, especially where there is plenty of water available. Keep the spent flowers picked off, thin out surplus and useless shoots, disbud freely, and spray with arsenate of lead for caterpillars and nicotine for thrips or aphis. Once the annual or early flowering plants are over they should be pulled up, the ground prepared for other plants. Salvias and Zinnias planted out now will give late blooms. Daffodil, Narcissi, Freesias, and other early flowering bulbs should be lifted. Planting of Daffodils, etc., can be done, although, so long as the dry weather lasts, little is gained. Asters are sending up their flowers, and caterpillars are busy. The best way is to give the plants a spraying of arsenate of lead before the flowers open. Seeds of Cyclamen, Cinerarias, Primulas, Carnations, Pansies, and early flowering Sweet Peas, can be sown in boxes or pots. Seed sowing outside should be held up until the rain comes. Artificial watering of seed beds needs to be carefully done, or it is worse than useless. Shading of seed beds is much better than having to surface water every day or so. The work of preparing new lawns, laying out new gardens, or similar work can be done. Border Carnations should be layered. Those layered early will be forming roots by now, and will be ready for planting out about March. Cut back the strong shoot* of Roses that have flowered. They can be cut back quite half-way, but it all depends on the build of the plant, and what is required of it. Gladioli that have flowered should have the dead blooms picked off. When the foliage begins to turn yellow lift the corms. Asters will benefit by disbudding. Applications of liquid manure will also help to improve the blooms.