THE WEEK'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 242, 12 October 1929, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE WEEK'S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. The preparation of the ground for' the planting of Chrysanthemums should be done at once. Dahlia tubers are now putting out shoots, and where only a few of each sort is required divide the roots, allowing a piece of tuber to each shoot. Chrysanthemum cuttings should be grown quite hardy. Once rooted, they should be placed outside. Old stools of Chrysanthemums can be lifted, and the offsets taken. In most cases these will provide ample plants. Do not grow useless or out-of-date sorts; discard the second rate varieties, and replace with first-class sorts. It does not mean that new sorts are all first-class, although as a rule a new sort is an improvement in some way on older varieties. Anyway it adds spice to the garden to grow a few new unknown sorts, and the cost is not great. Poinsettias require to be pruned annually. Now is a good time to do this now the buds are beginning to break. When pruning Poinsettias cut back to within a bud or so of the old wood, unless a lengthened branch is required. Lucullias should also be cut back, otherwise the plants are inclined to get floppy. Cut back to good strong buds. Usually these are in pairs close to the base of the shoot that flowored. This is a good time for planting Palms and Bamboos. Seeds of Clarkias, Godetias, . Linarias,. Lupins, Eschscholtzias, Saponarias, Convolvulus, can be sown in the open ground. Prepare the ground for planting Asters; Give the. soil'a dressing of • White Island No. 1' or powdered sulphur. This is to check the "wilt." • ■ ' '. '

Planting of bedding plants can be done. Almost any. seedling plants can be put out, especially if a little water is given. Keep the spent blooms of Anemones, and Ranunculi' cut off. Only . save for seed the very best flowers. ■-'.<;; Pick off-dead blooms'and seed pods of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Pansies should iiave the soil stirred aboul the plants, and a dressing .of cow manure applied. If exhibition blooms are required, only allow one shoot, pinch off all other shoots or suckers.