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Otago Witness, Issue 2416, 28 June 1900, Page 8

THE GRADEN.

AVORK FOR THE WEEK.

• KITCHEN GARDEN.— Digging and trenching, wheeling out manure upon the quarters, and turning compost heaps can be proceeded ■with. Generally all work should be pushed forward -which will relieve the pressure during the busy time of spring. Where conveniences do not exist for forcing rhubarb, it is a good plan to- cover some of the strongest roots in the open ground -with casks or large pots, surrounding -theni-with leaves and litter from, the stable, 'to produce a gentle warmth. In preparing the ground for new plantations of rhubarb, asparagus, and seakale, the soil cannot bo made too rich. If not already done, take the earliest opportunity of mild -weather to sow a few rows of peas and beans, selecting the best early varieties.

• FRUIT GARDEN.— Where orchard tree 3 have been neglected and are crowded with a thicket of useless sprays severe thinning and pruning -of the inner branches must be re«6rted to, as the trees cannot produce fruit except at the extremities of the outer branches, ■whilst they have to support a forest of xiseless •wood.

FLOWER GARDEN. — Opportunities will occur when holes for planting choice' shrubs and trees may be prepared by removing unsuitable soil and substituting a proper compost. When trees or shrubs are not doing well, the soil may be carefully removed from the roots and replaced, with fresh compost. This timely attention- wiU often save a choice shrub and cause "iti to ..make a, healthy growth. Hardy annuals must be protected after frost by a few branches of evergreen from sunshine, which is very destructive of new growth. The tubers of dahlias s?ufrer<' "from both damp and over 'dryness. It is" best to pot choice tubers in a sandy compost, and place them where they will not be liable to drip in a liouse from which frost can be, kept out.-'

GREENHOUSE.— The demand foi flowers from the glass structures is always great when none aie to be obtained from the garden, therefore it requires a considerable amount of thought and -management to keep up a supply, especially if the space is limited and no fireJieat is at command. It is viseless to look for bloom from plaits which do not flower naturally at this season, or which have not been, prepared beforehand. Azalea anitena is perhaps the most manageable of this showy tribe of plants, and it has the merit of being very floriferous, and the blooms are very suitable for bouquets. Mardner's Pauline, the bride, and flag of truce are also good for the purpose, durable in petal and distinct in colour. Where many camellias are grown they should he arranged by themselves and occasionally syringed with tepid water, as they are very impatient of being subjected to a dry air, which is a frequent cause of ■bud-dropping. Keep a low temperature during the day to avoid exciting plant 3 into premature growth, and take- every means to guard against damp.