The Garden.

Otago Witness, Issue 1585, 8 April 1882, Page 7

The Garden.

WORK FOR THE WEfcK. '

Kitchen Gabdekt.— The advent of frost shows the necessity of giving protection to all, tender subjects which require it, and of lifting and storing beet-root, carrots, parsnips, &c. In storing these roots, the tops should not be , cut off too close, as it causes the crowns to decay. The crop of tomatoes should be gath ered without delay, as the slightest touch of frost will render them unfit for use and destroy their keeping properties. Unripe fruit may be bunched and hung vp } or laid out singly where there is a free circulation of air. Celery should , also bo earthed up whilst the soil is dry. Cauliflower and broccoli coming in may be protected by breaking a leaf over the heads. Peas, beans, and scarlet-runners will be nearly useless if they have been caught by frost, and tho ground should be cleared, dug over, and man-, ureel, in readiness for spring plantings. Re r - move dead leaves from the stems of the broccoli, winter greens, &c, and keep the ground between them free from weeds. Trim fences, clean walks, and form a heap of rubbish which can be charred in a smother. When properly managed, a heap of weeds, &c, can be kept slowly burning for months, and as there is always a portion of soil in the rubbish, the burnt earth and charred refuse forms a valuable top-dressing for onions and other bulbous crops. Flower Garden. — The preparations for wintering bedding plants should now be completed. Although in most light soils verbena 3 will survive the winter, it is advisable to lift andpotastrong plant of distinct varieties to keep in a frame so as to furnish cuttings for spring propagation. Echeverias will winter if planted in sand at the foot of a north wall, or other shelter ; but the tender Sedums, such as azordeum variegatum and Mesembryanthemum aureum, must have the protection of glass and be kept dry. Choice varieties of dahlia may be lifted, and the stems, being cut six inches from the tuber, may be placed in sand or ashes under stages, where they will not bo liable to drip. Absolute dryness is not beneficial to the tubers, as they shivel up and thero is a difficulty in starting them in spring. If plunged in sand, they keep plump. Avoid bruising or otherwise injuring the tubers when taking them up. Geeeniiouse.— Cyclamens which have been placed on shelves near the glass will be showing tho bloom budrf. When watering, avoid wotting the leaves. If any of tho buds become mouldy, remove them at once before it spreads to tho others. Weak manure water once a week will causo tho cormus to throw a stronger bloom. When azaloas are removed to tho house, romove all decayed leaves and let the pots bo washed. Zonal pelargoniums which have been prepared as advised will now bo coming into bloom, and will bo found valuable for cutting from as the supply fails from the open borders. Chrysanthemums in pots are swelling their flower bads, and this ia the time to give thorn manure water and surface-dress-ings of rich compost. Thin out tho flower buds where, they :vre too ciovded. Chinese primulas frequently be^in to flower wheu small plants ; but this should not be permitted, us it prevents them increasing in size. Pinch out the flower trusses as soon as they appear. If there i 3 any tendency to damp oft' at the neck, give moi\ air and be careful in watering,