THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 8

THE GARDEN.

SHOWS. Dunedin Horticultural Society, 20th Deceinter. Taieri Horticultural Society, 6th January.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK. "KITCHEN GARDEN.— Brussels sprouts should be planted m their permanent position •without delay, the soil necessary for them being deeply dug and liberally manured. If they are transplanted with balls of earth they •will soon establish themselves with the aid 01 one or two waterings. As a winter vegetable, there is nothing superior to Brussels Bprouts, and they will amply repay all the care bestowed upon their cultivation. Broccoli may also be planted out; the best sorts are .Veitch's giant autumn protecting arid Walcheren. A few rows of peas of the green marrow type may be sown; the sorts known us William" I and unique are not so liable to mildew as some of the strong-growing varieties. Beets, carrots, onions, and parsnips will require a final thinning,' being afterwards thoroughly cleaned and the soil loosened between the rows with the hoe. Tomatoes, if growing 100 fast, must bo checked, a similar attention being given to 'ridge cucumbers and marrows. FLOWER GARDEN.— In this month many bienniais and perennials may bo sown in the open border; if the soil is dry tho drills may be watered before tho seed is sown, covering with fine, dry soil. The sorts to bo sown now comprise foxgloves, dephiniums, sweetwilliams, columbines, Brompton stocks*, and Canterbury bells. If there "is any danger of tho young seedlings being attacked by slugs, soot, and lime should be freely sprinkled over- • the seed beds. There should liot be any plant- - ing out or thinning of annuals to be done lifter this, " even if- turned out of pots ;. it is •■' difficult to get them to ■ start well after the . middle of < December. The" bedding plants . should be gone 'over occasionally to stop strag-. . gliug shoots, and peg them down to get them ; to cover the beds as quickly as Possible. Edgings of cerastium, golden feather, and golden thyme should not be allowed to bloom ; being clipped early improves their appearance ■considerably. " GREENHOUSE— In order- to provide for a late bloom a few pots of annuals, such aa blue cornflower, rhodanthe, browallia, and mignonette, may be sown. These will be found useful in furnishing a supply of cut blooni3 when flowers are scarce. Tie out the lower shoots of balsams, and give them plenty of air and liquid manure. The balsam will bear almost any temperature if the air is moist and the drainage in the pots is .good. Examine ericas for mildew, which frequently attacks them at this season. If the laast indication of this pest is seen on tho plants dust the plants with sulphur, or, what is better if the foliage is-dense, mix the sulphur with water Kad force it among the leaves with a springe.