WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 1540, 14 May 1881, Page 9

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Km. chen Garden. — In making out the seed list for next season these sorts of vegetables which have done best in the soil and locality should be ordered — where a particular kind of pea, for instance, has yielded good results it should be adhered to, so as to prevent disappointment. Many new varieties annually offered to the public are worthless here, and should never be depended upon until they have been proved. Broad beans may be sown now where the soil 1b light, and the situation warm ; also a few rows of peas can be put in of the first early varieties, such as Kentish invicta, but on cold, damp soils, or on clay lands anywhere, it will be a waste of seed and labour to do so. In exposed (situations some protecting material, such as short litter, should be got ready ; a few pea sticks form a good foundation on whioh to place the litter for sheltering lettuce, celery, &c. , from frost.

Flower Garden". — The lifting and storing of dahlia roots should be proceeded with, especially of choice varieties. Many of the strong growers are frequently left in the ground, and they escape the frost if a little mulching material is placed over the crowns. The names of the dahlias must be secured to the stem with lead wire and the tubers should be pluuged in saud in a dry place secure from frost. Complete dryness is not advisable, as it will cause the smaller tubers to shrivel up and lose all vitality. The anbrietias arabia and pansies for spring blooming must be planted without delay, so as to enable them to get established before the cold weather sets in. Severe frosts may be expected new at any time, and unless plants can get sufficient roothold tbay will be lifted out of the ground by the action of frost. Winter acouite, crocus, snowdrops, turban and other ranunculus, Spanish and English iris, should be planted at once to enable them to start whilst there ia warmth in the soil

Greenhouses. — Where root climbers are grown it will be necessary to thin oat superfluous growth, and any shoots whioh can be cut away altogether, to give as much light as possible to the plants ou the stages The tuberous rooted section of begonias are now going to rest, but they should not be dried off too rapidly, as the leaves and stems are still doing work in maturing the tuber. A dry shelf is perhaps the worse place they could be pat on, a cold frame where froat can be exclude.! will keep them in just the stats of dampness they require. They will also winter fairly if the pots are placed on their sides under the Btages. Lilies which have been repotted should b« plunged in a bed of leaves or old tan,' to prevent the soil becoming too dry. Look over calceolarias in frames frequently to see that the fly has not got hold of them j to keep these plants ciean it is necessary to fumigate them once a week, and give all the air possible. v