FLOWER GARDEN.

North Otago Times, Volume XV, Issue 597, 7 February 1871, Page 4

FLOWER GARDEN.

Continue to mow grass walks and lawns. Gather the seed9 of flowers, as they are ripe, on dry days. Dahlias will require extra care if the weather continues hot and dry. The blight has made its appearance in some places. Well syringe the plants and buds every evening. This will have a tendency to keep them under. Give a liberal supply of water to the roots. The moisture must now be kept up, especially if growing for exhibition. The buds are swelling, and if not attended with a due supply of water, will prematurely fall off. Now is the proper time to proceed with layering choice kinds of carnations and picotees, tn'secure strong healthy plants. No lime should be lost while they are in bloom, and gro-ving freely. Pippings of pinks may still be put in, If not already done. The early roses will now have done flowering. They should have all dead or decayed leaves removed. Bind on proper stocks new and choice varieties. In the grcer-liouse remove all decayed foliage; water liberally : give abundance of air ; shade from the mid-day sun. Fuschias for exhibition should at once receive their final stopping ; water regularly ; syringe overhead, and maintain a moist atmospheie. In the fruit garden keep the surface open about fbrest 1 rees by using the Dutch hoe frequently. Keep down American blight by using a stiff brush, and rubbing the parts affected with Colza oil and sulphur. After many years experience with this pest, it is found the only cure for roo tor branch, if persevered with. Strawberries : The runners about the middle of the month will have perfected their first growth, and if fresh beds nre required, prepare your ground, and plant the strongest runners during the first rain. There arc many new on* 1 excellent varieties in the district, such as "Kifleman," " Sir Harry," " Crimson Queen," "Elton Pine," "Myatt's Eliza," " Carolina, » Superba," " Omar Pasha." These are all of high merit, and worth cultivation. They are of govd JHvor, and abundant bearers. Remember that it tnkea the same time and care with inferior sorts that it does with good and superior Tarieties.