GARDEN CALENDAR FOR THE NORTH OTAGO DISTRICT. JULY.

North Otago Times, Volume 1944, Issue XXVI, 20 July 1878, Page 5 (Supplement)

GARDEN CALENDAR FOR THE NORTH OTAGO DISTRICT. JULY.

Flower Garden. — Little can bo done among flowers at this season of the yeai\ Ground work, as it is called, may still bo pushed forward. Under this head is included all alterations of surface, and changes in the form of flower beds, or tho direction of walks, now plantations of trees and shrubs, fresh turfing of ground or edging of walks, the making of new walks, <tc. All such work is best done in tho autumn, but circumstances often como pel u« to do much of it in the wintrand the spring. This is a good time to tioncli and thoroughly clean any ground in tho flower garden or pleasure ground intended for tho growth of tioes and shrubs. As they are permanent crops, the preparation for them cannot be too thorough and good. It ought to be trenched to a depth of from eighteen inches to two feet, and if poor, enriched with Homo good compost or well rotted manure. If water is found stagnant it must be drained off, for no flowors, tender or hardy, will grow upon such saturated soil, thorough drainage being of great importance towards tho.successful cultivating of flowers, in fact to prevent disappointment, the soil should be emiched for a supply of flowers, much a 3 you would for a crop of fruit, such as strawberries, and vegetables of tho various sorts. Sweet peas for early blooming may be sown ; they are perfectly hardy. As soon a« the soil is sufficiently dry, the surface should be hood between all spring floweis. If hyacinths, tulips; and other spring bulbs are pushing through tho surface, it is a good plan to have them covered with dry rotten leaves, or a mixture of dry earth. Hoses should be planted in deep •oil ; rich manure, and a clay bottom for their roots to burrow in, are tho foundation of success in rose growing. To these should be added araulching of good, juicy dung, from tour to six inches thick. Weak roses should be pruuod. The weaker they are, the closer should they bo cut buck. Hoses wanted to bloom early should be pruned at once, but tho pruning of the general stock had better remain undone until n«xt month. The trimming of hedges — hawthorn, privet, and other kinds — if not cut in tho autumn, should be done now. The best form for a hedge Is that of a wedge, with the narrow point upwards. Every twig of such a hedge, from the top to the Uwest branch, is washed by the rains and nourished by the dews, which tend to preserve in perfect health and promotes the growth of all hedges, more especially' young ones. Clear out their bottoms of all weeds, grass, or other rubbish. Take care of the bottoms of hedges and the tops will take care of themselves.