PROGRAMME OF WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20868, 9 May 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

, THE FLOWER GARDEN. Recent soil and weather conditions have been ideal for planting seedlings and for preparing trees and s;hrubs lor transplanting. Dahlias have completed their flowering for this season. Allow the stems to partially mature before catting them back. Now is a good time to save seeds. Attend to autumn-sown seedlings by hand-weedin|» and thinning them out to suitable distances apart, and protecting them from slugs. A late planting of anemones, ranunculi, iris tingitana and a few other hardy spring-flowering bulbs may still be made. Now is a suitable, time to take off, make and insert cuttings of tecoma, escallonias, abelia, lonicera nitida and other hedge plants that are propagated by cuttings. Several varieties of shrubs are propagated from cuttings, which should be taken off and inserted in the autumn. Layering others should be attended to at once. Fallen leaves litter the garden and grounds, and should be raked up occasionally and removed to the rubbish heap. Take up alternatheras and transfer some for propagation to a glass frame. Take off cuttings of iresines. Where heavy frosts occur, lift echeverias and place under the protection of a hedge or other suitable place. Edgings of violets that have become too thick may be taken up, divided and replanted. Plant primula malacoides, primroses, polyanthus and lobelias for suitable edgings, and sow Virginian stock. Bed out cinerarias and nemesias in sheltered situations, snd also Iceland poppies, the different varieties of stocks, larkspurs, calendulas, penstemons, pansies and a few other hardy seedlings, including cyclamens.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. As soon as weather permits, weed and clean the ground between all vegetable crops. The recent heavy rains having again battered the surface, it should be well loosened up. Carefully examine all recently-sown crops. II any of the seed have been displaced or washed away, it should be resown.

At this season there is generally an accumulation of garden refuse that would be better if collected and burnt. For this purpose a neat and excellent incinerator can be made from a disused iron tar barrel. By cutting a hole near the bottom large enough to remove the ashes, and puncturing a few holes round the sides to create a draught, almost any garden refuse may be burnt, and ashes obtained for the garden.

Plots that have been prepared for strawberries may be planted out any time during the present month.

In selecting sites for planting early potatoes, choose ground of a comparatively light, free nature, and situation free from severe frosts. If the sets have been treated as advised, they should soon be sufficiently sprouted for planting out. Further planting of cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce should be made.

Where broad beans are in demand a sowing should be made for early spring use. By planting a double row the plants help to support each other. Potato onions and shallots may be planted at any time during the present month.

Ground for the planting ol fruit shelter and other trees and shrubs should be thoroughly prepared and placed in the best possible condition.