PROGRAMME OF WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19986, 30 June 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. JJahlias should all be carefully dug up. Without detaching the tubers, shake or hose all the earth from among them. Allow them to remain on the surface to thoroughly dry before storing. J£eep the clumps of chrysanthemums froe from weeds, and occasionally dust some lime over them to check slugs and other insects. If there is< any appearance of rust on the suckers, spray with Bordeaux or lime sulphur. The planting of tree ferns should be completed before the middle of July. Select those with stems 18in. and under and taken with good roots. Cuttings of shrubby calceolarias may still be put in, also those of mesembryajithemums, gazanias, and several other rockery plants. Mulching by lightly stirring the surface soil among anemones, ranunculi, and other bulbs, also seedlings that are bedded out, greatly benefits the plants and stimulates growth. Cinerarias are still subject to the attacks of black caterpillars. Examine the plants and spray or hand-pick. Stocks, too, must be kept free from aphides. II neglected, the plants are soon ruined. ,Weather and soil conditions still continue most favourable for the planting of all varieties of trees and shrubs, evergreen . and deciduous, also roses and other perennials. Edgings require to be kept free from weeds; and the soil slightly stirred.

Sowings under glass of stocks, antirrhinums, summerflowering sweet peas, schizanthus, marguerite carnations, papsies, violas, and lobelias should be made for succession.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. V Autumn-sown onions should be kept free from weeds by frequent hoeing. A loose surface greatly assists growth. Crops at this season need all the air and warmth they can possibly secure, and it is only by taking advantage of fine weather and keeping the soil well worked that healthy growth can be maintained. Ground that has been sown down in green crop should be turned under as soon as the crop has made a foot or so of growth. This allows the vegetation to decay in readiness for later sowings. Cabbage and cauliflower plants should be frequently manured with superphosphate or nitrate of soda. Sprinkle the manure near the roots and then earth up, making a furrow between the rows to allow the water to run away freely. The planting of fruit and other trees should bo proceeded with on every favourable opportunity. Pine weather, however, should always be chosen for this work. At the time of, or soon after planting, the branches of nearly all fruit trees should be pruned, cutting them back to within 6in. or Sin. of the fork. Free drainage is in every case essential for the success of trees. No stagnant water should be allowed to accumulate at the roots.

The pruning of the various orchard trees as they mature and ripen their wood must have attention. Peaches, nectarines and the different varieties of bush fruits are generally the first to ripen their wood and to require pruning. They often have but a short season of rest before the sap again becomes active.