IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23361, 21 June 1941, Page 4

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK

(SPSCUU.I WHITTEN EOl THE PRESS.) IBy W. J. HUMM.] FLOWERS This is the time of the year when there is a general planting of ornamental trees apd shrubs. Here the weather and the state of the soil should be the governing factors. Planting should never be done when the soil is wet and sticky. If plants arrive and the soil will not permit their being planted, keep them in some sheltered position. When heeling them in make Sure that each plant is made Arm. When preparing ground for planting shrubs or ornamental trees, cultivate the whole area. Do not simply dig holes in uncultivated ground ana expect the plants to thrive. They may live, but they are handicapped from the beginning. When carrying out any class of planting, .always use the sweet top-soil to fill in about the roots. The soil taken out of the bottom of the hole shofild be used to place on the top. Do not allow any manure or fertiliser near the roots. No plant’ can re-establjsh itself quickly unless it. is planted firmly. More plants are lost through loose planting than from any other cause. When planting evergreens it is a good plan to water them immediately after they are planted. This has the effect of settling the particles of soil about the roots, Do not forget that evergreens when properly placed will give the garden a cosy appearance during the winter months. Care should be taken when allocating the position for shrubs. Many have the idea that they will do in any position. This is wrong. .To get the best from them study their likes and dislikes. Evergreens as a rule are all right in a shady position, but to get the, best from plants which lose their leaves during winter give them positions in the sunlight. Quite often one sees earl” flowering shrubs planted behind vigorous evergreens, where they have to struggle to exist, and where they have no possible chance to be of value 1 in the garden. A little care In choosing the position makes all the difference. ' . When planting ornamental trees such as cherries, plums, and apples, do not prune the growths to assist the plant to re-establish itself, The removal of the young, vigorous growth only retards root action, and often the natural appearance of the plant is destroyed. Continue to plant all varieties, of roses. Proceed with the pruning.: There is nothing to be gained by leaving the plant not pruned till late spring. Spring bulbs are now making top growth. Keep the soil well cultivated about them, as this will improve the quality of the flowers.. Plant polyanthus, primroses, auriculas, pansies, violas, and where the soil Is well drained and warm, stocks and antirrhinums, , Care o! Garden Tools

During the winter months, garden tools are often put away dirty, so that when they are needed again they are coated with rust, No gardener can do satisfactory work with dirty tools, If the tools are rusty and dirty, it is not possible to do work properly, and much valuable time is lost before they are clean. After usipg all tools should be wiped clean and both steel and wood parts should be oiled. The same applies to lawnmowers. They should be overhauled and sharpened. Lawnmowers that are stored for the winter should be well oiled and greased. FrnU Continue to plant all varieties of fruit trees. When planting gooseberries, give them a position in the sunlight and see that the land is well drained. Finish pruning as soon as possible, and do the spraying. Many leave this important work until spring, when it is too late to control fungoitf diseases such as brown-rot, leaf-curl, and black-spot. When spraying is left until the buds are swelling and the outer scales lifting, the mycelium enterg and it is then impossible for the spray . lipid to /be effective. Scions for grafting should be cut off the trees now, and heeled into the'soil in a shaded position until required in the spring, •, Vegetables The most important work at present in the vegetable garden is to prepare the soil for next season’s 1 crops. Make sure that the soil is prepared thoroughly for each crop, Where root crops are to be grown, do not use stable manure, unless it is placed well down, If it Is placed near the surface, it will cause side roots to develop. Do not forget that lime not only keeps the soil healthy but it also makes the soil more productive. The digging under of green crops should be taken in hand as soon as the crops are far enough advanced. If dug under in the early pan of the winter, they will decay and by spring thd soil will have settled down and be fit for the crops. Chives are useful, and any required may be planted how. In favourable weather, hoe through all spring crops. Those who have to buy early potato sets should procure them now. Place them in trays to sprout. The best position is a frost-proof shed, and light as possible. Remember that certified sets give best results, Hedges

All types of hedges may be "planted. I Lonicera nitida forms an ideal lowgrowing hedge. Place the plants 18 inches apart, The small-leafed evergreen privet forms quite one of the best hedges, This plant stands clipping, and will do well in any soil, Peep ' Elanting is usually wrong and should e avoided. Privet, however, Is the exception. When planting a hedge glace the plants deeply; up to the ranches. These plants are internodal rooting, and if the lower branches come In contact with the ground, they will root, and a low set hedge will form. , Shrub* At present the Mexican thorn (Crataegus Mexicana) is in full glory. The fruit is bright yellow ana plentiful, The fruit hangs on the tree throughout the winter, and it Is never attacked by birds, The plant Is an evergreen and grows- to a hqight of about 12ft. • H is a fast grower, and will thrive In most localities. Like most berry-pro-ducing plants, it needs lime, and a little sprinkled around the tree each year will improve both the quality and colour of the fruit.