SEASONABLE WORK

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 23

SEASONABLE WORK

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Peas and beans can still be sown for early spring work, if the trenches are prepared by placing plenty of material in the bottom to give good drainage; also, what is tho most important, when filling in after sowing the seed, the trench' should not be filled up to the level of tho surface. If 4in to 6in is allowed from the top of the trench this will make excellent protection to the young plants through the winter months, and when the soil is pulled in around tho plants in the spring the plants will become very strong and nearly self-supportin". I find Green Feast pea and Long Pod beau the best for this work.

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Tlie early-flowering chrysanthemums are just now giving a good display, ij’or those who require blooms for <lecorativo work or to brighten up the perennial border the early-flowering varieties are the best the flowers are over before the frost arrives. There are gardens which are exposed to the frost, and chrysanthemums in that ease are a failure. These early varieties may be had in several colours, and if disbudded good-size decorative flowers can be obtained. The habit of the plants is also ideal for border work, being dwarf in habit and of strong growth. The following are the most suitable for small gardens:—Cranlordia (golden yellow), H. H. Crane (crimson and gold), La Garonne (salmon red), Miss Ethel Hcryoy (deep yellow), Framfield (white), Allandale Beauty (bronze), Blanch du Poitou (white), and Primrose Poitou. Chrysanthemums which have been placed under cover will need attention, especially decorative varieties. Where just one bloom is required the side buds must be removed at once, leaving only the middle bud, which should develop into a fair size bloom, fit for exhibition or decorative purposes in the home. For exhibition work the blooms must not exceed 4in 'in diameter, and must not show an eye. When cutting the flowers for exhibition do not on any account cut the stem too short. These should be not less than Oin'in length, carrying their own, foliage. This should not be removed, as Nature has placed it as a groundwork to display its colouring. Assistance can also be given to the decorative singles. These should bo allowed to grow naturally and to form a light spray. Only buds which in some varieties club together should be removed. !

In staging for exhibition not more than five blooms on a spray are allowed, but there is no need to cut large branches carrying heavy blooms. Sprays light and uniform, as Nature alone can place them, about 9in to lOin in length, are the happy medium. Exhibition singles, which have become so popular, should be staged with a stem with not less than 9in. The eye or disc should bo of uniform size, with tho florets or petals surrounding it, and with not more than three layers of petals. When carrying more than this the flower becomes heavy and the true character lost. To retain the colour when developing under glass pieces of thin paper should be placed over the flowers by day, as colour plays an important part when judging. Those who‘intend to plant new and up-to-date roses will find the following a great improvement on many of the older rose-:

Caress (H.T.): Salmon carmine; fragrant. Leading Lady (H.T.) : Clear flesh pink; very sweet-scented. Princess Royal (H.T.): Light rose. Antinea: Orange; intense perfume. Bohms Triumph: Velvety dark red. George Pacquel (H.T.) : Saffron yellow. Kathleen Pechtold: Old gold and bronze.

Mrs J. D. Eilele: Cherry rose; rich fragrance. Maisou Pernet Ducher: Clear orange.Elli Knab: Same colour as Mrs Henry Morse; exhibition rose. Continue to plant all spring-flower-ing bulbs, wallflowers, sweet williams, Canterbury bells, etc. A beautiful bed to carry over a long period of flowering is to plant Darwin tulips with ranunculus between. The ranunculus will carry on when tho tulips are over; To get the best results plant only small tubers of ruuunculus. These throw the best flowers. . Where plants are growing away keep the surface open by working the hoe between them. The note referring last week on tulips and choice daffodils should read as follows Where you have bulblets and off-sets ot tulips and choice daffodils, these should be planted m n bed or border containing good, rich soil by themselves. These bulblets will make mother bulbs for next season’s planting. LAWNS AND VERGES There is still tiino to sow down lawns or renovate old ones. Climatic conditions are very favourable for this work. In laying down new verges, turf is the best, and as there is difficulty in obtaining good, clean turf the best way is' to take up a strip from the old lawn. This can be sown down again, and in a very short time it will be covered again with good, clean grass. FENCES, ETC. The planting of fences and also specimen trees and shrubs can now be clone. The sooner the better, as the trees will become well established before the hard weather arrives. It is a mistake to leave this work over until the soil becomes cold and sodden. Care must be exercised in selecting varieties which will suit the position. Always plant tho hardiest varieties in the most exposed positions, or there is bound to bo failure. F.S.P.