TIMELY TOPICS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 18

TIMELY TOPICS

Notes, News and Views The lovely fresh green of maidenhair ferns inevitably begins to pale during February, unless the oldest leaves are removed. IVoodlice and small slugs often feed upon the crowns, but they can be kept away by sprinkling a mixture of equal portions of lime and soot upon the crowns. * * This has been an exceptionally fine year for the rooting of carnation layers, testifying to their liking for very sunny conditions, provided the gardener supplies their water requirements regularly. The uprightness of the layers and the new tiny grey-green leaves being made will be the evidence that roots have formed and that the new plants can be transferred to the positions set aside for them. * * If you have a cupressus in a tub, take off the top inch of soil, and replace it with riddled leaf-mould, to each bucketful of which 2oz. of fine bone-meal have been added. This is cupressus rooting time and, if you provide this encouraging mulch, the shrubs will look green and refreshing all winter. Assist them further by watering weekly with halfstrength soot-water until mid-March. WORK FOR THE WEEK The Flower Garden AU the spring-flowering bulbs should he planted as occasion offers. Refer to to-day’s article on the subject. The big winter-planting programme for herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees will soon be upon us. . The wise gardener makes an early start to ensure suitably prepared soil for his planting. The following lilies may be planted now'.—L. Hqnsoni, L. Slogans, L. Vmbellatum and L. Candidum. Cuttings of roses may be inserted out of doors. . Bearded irises and paeonics may be lifted, divided and replanted. Vegetable Garden Plant green crops on all vacant plots for ‘turning in. After a prolonged dry summer the soil' needs additional humus, and green crops afford one of the best means of supplying it. Cabbages and cauliflower may note be planted for spring cutting. Kumeras now require attention. The tops should be lifted back from the soil periodically, otherwise they zcill form roots instead of tubers. Sow swedes and turnips in prepared soil.

A further planting of leeks and celery can now be made.