THE WEEK'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 46, 23 February 1929, Page 6

THE WEEK'S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN

The dry spell is seriously affecting the floral display, except where watering is possible. Keep off all spent flowers, and the surface soil loose; this will help to keep the plants young. Annuals, once they show signs of being spent, are best pulled out, and the ground prepared for something else. Border Carnations that were layered early, and have been watered, will be rooted nicely. Where water is not available, the layers will be longer in rooting perhaps, but will do so all right. Chrysanthemums are growing steadily, and from now on the buds should be taken as they appear. Remove all laterals and suckers so as to throw all the strength of the plants into the flowers. Once the bud is "taken" feeding can be done in earnest. Do not, however, be too lavish with nitrogen, it causes a sappy growth and gross blooms that are inclined to damp. Keep a sharp lookout for caterpillars. To let a grub have a bit out . of a bud is to lose the whole season's work. Spray for rust on the Chrysanthemum, adding a little arsenate of lead for the caterpillars. Dahlias are flowering freely, but need rain. Disbud freely, and keep the plants clean by spraying. The planting of bulbs can be started now. The ground should be prepared beforehand. In some gardens the dryness of the soil will prevent planting, and the work will be delayed till rain comes. Prepare everything beforehand so that there is no delay once the rain does cpme. Seed" of Pansies, Cinerarias, Antirrhinums, Carnations, Primroses, Polyanthus, can be sown in boxes, but outside sowing must wait till rain comes. Seedlings from earlier sowings should be pricked off into boxes. A little shading during the middle of the day wilt save watering, and also prevent the small plants from drying out.