GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12975, 30 November 1907, Page 5

GARDEN NOTES.

(Bt HostcO

GARDEN WORK FOR DECEMBER

Roses for exhibition purpose* require liquid manure every two or three days after the buds are set if show blooms aro desired. Take heed to instructions in this week's notes how and when to apply liquid manure. Shading roses from the fierce rays of the sun helps to keep the colour, and also adds to the substance of the flowers. Calico, ecrim, or any similar light shade ie the best for the purpose.

Planting celery should be done during the month. Romembor that this ptaht requires a rich food supply if strong "sticks" are desired. Thoroughly prepare the trench by taking out all hard, crude, clay soil, and in its place put in a good rich composition. After planting in trench, shade for a few days if weather is hot. This may be done by putting a few branches across the trench and on top of which place 6ome kicking. This will to keep the ground moist until the plants get c grip. Watering lilies of the valley and Christmas ro.%es should be done during this. month. This will help much in the development of the crowns for next season's bloom. Lilies of th valley are also much helped by a light topdroissing of sifted soil around the base of the growth. This should be done at once, and aftenrnrcLj "ell watered over the foliage with a hose or watering can. Herbaceous and tree preonies should a ! *> have a good soaking of water during midsummer. Liquid ninnure is very helpful in the development of these plants. This snnimrr watering affects the quality and quantity of next .season's bloom.

Continuous stirring of the surface of the soil is one of the greatest factors in puccessful plant growing. This ventilntion of the soil is as necessary to the health of a plant as ventilation is to the health of a human being. This is the most up-to-date fact in the garden curriculum.

Watering rhododendrons, Ghent azaleas, and camellias should be attended to. It is during December that the buds are formi' •■<* for next season's display, and assistance with water just now is almost necessary in the dry climate of Canterbury-

In tho fruit garden give water to those crops which are fully developed nnd are about to ripen. This refers to "horries, early plums, and raspberries. Where possible irrigate, but not too heavy, for damage may be done to the roots if too much water is applied. Sprayint? the foliage is better in many rises' thon making the soil too cold ami sodden. . , For au+umn mid winter and eprinff supplies of vea:et»blp-s tho following will have to be plnntrd. viz.. cauliflower, savoy, brocoli, brussel sprouts and curl' kale.