PROGRAMME OF WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18891, 13 December 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. To prolong tho flowering of mesembryanthcmuius, gazanias and venidlums, attend to cutting oS th.9 spent flower heads. Beds of Phlox drummondii are greatly invigorated by sprinkling a light surface dressing of sulphate of ammonia around the young plants without letting any fall upon tho foliage. It produces vigorous growth and dark green foliage. Petunia giants of California and other large-flowering strains are invaluable for summer bedding. They are splendid dry weather subjects, and make a grand display in beds. Arrange the plants 9in. apart. Buffalo grass flourishes in dry or moist situations, under the shade of trees or in hot, exposed positions, and in the poorest soils, and is most valuable for furnish- ■ ing barren banks. Roots may be planted now 12in. apart. ' Seed is unobtainable. Chrysanthemums are often attacked with black aphis at this season. On first appearance of these inserts spray with black leaf 40 as per directions upon the bottles. Spraying with lime sul'ihur or Gishart's compound will ward off fungoid germs. Gladioli are now about at their best. Where numbers of seedlings are grown labels should be attached to the best, discarding the inferior kinds after they have done flowering. Amateurs may be most successful in raising seedlings by (hybridising and saving seeds from the best flowers. Portulaccas, single and double-flowered, in best mixtures, make a splendid display during the hottest summer months. They are of dwarf trailing habit and competely cover the surface, and produce the utmost profusion of various bright-coloured flowers. Dahlias: Continue the planting at suitable intervals apart in the mixed flower garden. They are most attractive, flowering throughout the summer .\nd autumn.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. Early-planted tomatoes are now making rapid growth, and setting their fruits freely. As soon as a few bunches of the fruit are formed, manure water can be applied with advantage. Failing this, an occasional sprinkling of superphosphate, or nitrate of potash applied just before rain, will greatly assist in the development of the fruit. The success attained in the cultivation of vegetables during the hot summer months will depend largely upon the cultivation given; the soil betvTeen crops should be frequently and deeply stirred. If watering is resorted to, it should only be given when absolutely necessary to prevent wilting, and then applied in sufficient quantity to thoroughly soak the soil. Mulching where practicable is the best means of retaining moisture in the soil, and assisting grov/th. Stable manure is naturally the best for this purpose, but failing this, grass collected from the lawns, or other decayed vegetable matter, will be of benefit. Earth up peas, beans, cabbage, broccoli, and other plants requiring this treatment. Kumaras may still be planted, but as previously stated, too rich a soil is by no means an advantage, as the plants are liable to make rank, luxuriant top-growth, instead of forming good tubers. A planting of leeks may still be made. These, like celery, luxuriate in deeply-worked, rich soil. Drills should bo drawn about 4in. in depth, the plants being placed about Bin. apart in the drill, and well watered after Planting. As the plants advance in growth bleaching is obtained by earthing them up to the heights required. In growing lettuce during the hot summer months, greater success is attained if sown where the plants' will bo partially Shaded. Even then, rich soil and mulching is necessary to obtain the best results