THIS GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2403, 22 March 1900, Page 8

THIS GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHB-S' GARDEN.— Ihe cooler temperature and heavy dews are improving the appearance of the cropsi in this department, ar.cl plenty of warmth being in the soil, there will be the usual aufrunm growth when the ground gets a thorough, soaking. All crops of cabbages, savoys, broccoli, and winter greens must be" kept free from weeds, and all the lower leaves which are decayed must be removed to harden them by bsing fully exposed. Celery will require considerable attention, as the early ciops will be sufficiently advanced to be earthed ill "a good height, not only for blanching, but as a protection from frost. To prevent soil lunning down to ihe centre tie up each head with soft matting before eaithing uu. The sowing of cabbage for next spring planting has failed owing to drought, sow again on a waim border in light, rich soil. FRUIT GARDEN.— The most useful o£ our hardy bush fruits ai - e> probably gooseberries and currants, but none are so systematically neglected. They are allowed to remain in the tame position for years until the soil is worn out. The fruit then deteriorates both in quantity and quality. They should be transplanted to fresh soil, and if tlie varieties of gooseberries

are not good a portion of the old bushes should be thrown away and young plants of such sorts as red Warriugton, Gregory's perfection,

and red and \vhite champagne put in their iDlace. In two years these will come into bearing, and in the meantime the old bushes retained will keep up the supply. New plantations of strawberries should be made at once. The ground must be deeply trenched and well manured if the soil i& stiff. Let runners showing good crowns be selected. Plant them ISm apart evei - 3' way, and put them in with a trowel.

FLOWER GARDEN.— The value of phlox Drunmiondii as a late bloomer is generally ac.luiowledged 1 , and it should therefore have every care to preserve it from damage by wind. The French marigold is another good plant for late blooming, as it continues bright up to the end oi Mtiy. The Jaccbceas, or American groundsels, are very beautiful both in colour and form, and under skilful treatment they will furnish

misses of crimson- and -blue as long as the

marigolds. The planting of bulbs of all deBCTiptions should be pushed on., especially those for "spring displaj r . GREENHOUSE.— To render this structure

attractive during the winter and spring it is high time that a batch of hyacinths, narcissi, I crocuses, laohenalias, and scillas were potted find plunged in ashes as previously advised. Tritsaleia orniflora and the fragrant Friesia oclorata will also be found useful in giving variety of colour. Of the pot plants the libouias and

salvias are still in the open frames, getting hardened off for the winter campaign. Cycla--cnens 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 insect pests and make them stocky. Plants in bloom in the house will not require co much water, but they must not be allowed to flag.