THE HOME GARDEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21278, 3 September 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN

„ THE FLOWER GARDEN Welcome rains after the lata dry spell have refreshed , ' the garden and grounds and had a beneficial effect / upon all recently planted evergreen trees, shrubs and seedlings. The present is a busy time in filling the mixed border 1 with dwarf growing shrubs and herbaceous and other perennials, Cannas may be transferred from their i / winter quarters into their flowering positions in the beds and borders. Carnations and picotees are everybody's favourites. Plants from layers and seedlings thould be bedded out. Mixing some lime well incorporated with the soil is beneficial. /.Proceed with the planting of evergreen climbing plants; also with flowering and other gums and acacias from pot grpwn plants. Bamboos lor shelter and ornamental hedges and also for 111 single specimens and utilitarian uses arc best planted at this season. The summer-flowering Spencer type of sweet peas may still be planted in specially prepared soils. Well / established plantc in pots soon start into growth. Th» seedlings of nemesias, cinerarias, ail varieties of / stocks, delphiniums, pansies, violas, campanulas, gaillardias, antirrhinums and numerous other seedlings are suitable for present planting. /Daffodils, although later than usual in coming into flower, are giving a good display. Stir the surface / soil around them and prevent slugs from destroying the blooms. Plant another batch of gladioli for succession. Complete the pruning of any roses that were omittod and f lightly fork over the soil among the plants in the / beds to loosen the surface and break any rough lumps.

PROGRAMME OF WORK

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN As soon as the soil is dry enough to work deeply hoe or lightly fork between all growing crops. Frequent stirring of the soil has a wonderful effect upon the growth of all young seedling crops, and is especially necessary after heavy rains. Continue the planting out of potatoes, onions, rhubarb and asparagus in newly prepared beds. From this time onward there should be little difficulty by successional sowing and planting in keeping the garden well furnished with seasonable vegetables. Give timely attention to weeding and thinning of seedling crops. Weeds at this time grow so quickly as to soon check the growth of young seedling crops, unless kept under by hand weeding. Early sown peas should be earthed up and staked as soon as they attain a height of three or four inches. Even the dwarf varieties are better if supported. Salad will now be in increasing demand. Every effort should be made by successional sowing to meet the demand. Make a small sowing of leeks and celery for early planting. Also sow Brussel sprouts, and onions for pickling. Make another sowing of tomatoes for later planting. Those that have been raised under glass should, as soon as sufficiently advanced, be placed outside in a sheltered position to become well hardened before planting out. Attend to the earthing up of potatoes, cabbage, broad beans and other crops as they advance in growth. If assistance is required give a sprinkling of superphosphate along the rows when earthing. Carefully watch and protect seedling crops just coming through the soil. Keeping the soil frequently stirred will not only keep down weeds, but will also assist to check slugs.