THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 5

THE GARDEN.

WORK FOR THE WEEK. Kitchen G-abdhn.— The cooler temperature and ■heavy dews are improving tbe appearance of the crops in this department, and plenty of warmth being in tbe toil, there will be the usual autumn growth when tbe ground gels a thorough soaking. All crops of oAbbago, savoys, broccoli, and winter greens must be kept five from weeds, and all the lower leaves which are decayed must be removed to •harden them by being fully exposed. Celery will require considerable attention, as the early crops ■will be sufficiently advanced to be earthed up a good height, not only for blanching, but as a protection from frost, l'o prevent coil running down to the •centre tie up eaoh head with soft matting before earthing up If tha sowing of cabbage for next spring planting has failed owing to drought, sow egain on a warm border in Ught rich soil. Fruit Gabdbk.— 'iho mmt useful of our hardy tush f» uits are probably gooseberries and currants, tout none are bo eystematically neglected. They are allowed to romain in tbe same position for years antil the soil is worn out. The fruit then deteriorates both in quantity and quality. They should be transplanted to fresh soil, and if the varieties of gooseberries are not good a portion of the old bushes should be thrown away and young plants ofsuoh «orts as red Warringtdn, Gregory's perfection, and red and white champagne put in their place. In two yeara these will come into bearing, and in the meantime the old bushes retained will keep up the supply. Hew plantations of strawberries should be made at once. Th* ground must be deeply trenohed «nd well manured if the soi! it stiff. Let runners showing gond crowns be selected. Plant them 18in apart t-very war, and pnt them in with a trowel FLoysß Gaxidkn —The value of Phlox Drummondii as a latH bloomer Is now acknowledged, and It should therefore hive f-very care to preserve it from damage by wind The Prenoh marigold ia another good plant for late r-loominjj, as it continues bright up to the end of May. Trie J.icobaMs, or American groundsels, are verr beautiful both in colour and form, and nnder skilful treatment they ■will furnlßh masses cf crimson and blue as long at the marigolds. The planting of bulba of all descriptions should ba commenced, especially those for eprlng display. Gbbbnhousb.— -To render this structure attractive during the winter and spring it is high time that a batch of hyacinths, narcissus, crocus, lachenallas, and oolllas were potted and plunged in ashes as creyloußly Rdvlaed. Xriteelela ornlflora and tha

f fragrant Friesia odorata will also be found useful in i giving variety of colour. Of tbe pot plants the I libonlas and salviaa are still in the open frames getI ting hardened, off for the winter campaign. Cyclamens are throwing up their foliage fast, and by giving them a little encouragement the first batch will be ready to bloom in six weeks. Chinese primulas, calceolarias, and cinerarias must have their wants attended to -air and moisture being the chief requisites to keep off their inseot pests and keep them itooky. Plants in bloom in the house will not require so much water, but they must not be allowed to flag.