OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2668, 3 May 1905, Page 10

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN".—Operations in. this department' are now dependent xupon the •weather, and. beyond' digging and trenching spare 'plots -of - ground "there is. very little to be done. If not already done, asparagus * beds may be cleared .of the haulm- and weeds, and a-good dressing of well decomposed manure may be applied:' 'Earthing up from the alleys .between the' , beds -is also beneficial, as the crowns' of the. plants have i tendency to rise every season.' After -the decayed foliage has been cleared from seatale and rhubarb some light soil should be placed over-^tne crowns;.-ashes" will answer,ihe purpose, but 'they*:are" apt to encourage wireworm. In forcing seakale, with »r ' without heat, there -is no better or cleaner .material than sawdust, which can be piled upon the crowns to the depth of 2ft. FRUIT GARDEN.—The work of transplanting trees should now be pushed forward vigorously,-before the soil becomes unworkable from' being saturated with. wefc. Among the- most useful of apples is the cellini, which is at its prirSfe, at present. It, however, requires some care, as it is very susceptible to scale and red spider. The liawthornden, a much earlier apple,, is also * capital apple for small gardens, and is also a prolific bearer in favourable situations. Other good apples are the Bismarck, Rymer, Baxter's pearmain, blue pearmain, Cornish M'oinatic, Cox's orange - pippin, Lord Suffield, . London ""pippin, Emperor Alex- ~? 'pder,. etc. The following list of bush fruits can be' depended. upon as a useful lot for general purposes:—Magistrate, whitesmith; eagle, Australia, crown Bob,early sulphur, rough red "Warrington, red champagne, yellow 7 champagne, keepsake and Gretna Green gooseberries. "Of black • currants, plant black Naples and Lee's prolific. The latter is an excellent variety," and whan planted on' the north -'side of" a wall or other pomewhat shady'-.place'/ it forms an excellent to black Naples planted m4nor*e" (exposed' parts. Three good , sorts of ted crftrants (will .be found "in cherry cur"- " rant, long .bunched red- and Raby Castle, to which add Dutch white. Fastolf is considered to be a satisfactory red-fruited raspberry, and Northumberland filbaskefc and Carter's .prolific-are recognised heavy crop— 'pers, with the yellow Antwerp as a representative of its own r»ecuhar colour. The planting out of all -kinds" of bush fruit, such as~ goosebprries and currants of the various varieties, should now' be proceeded with. .Well-grown two-year-old bushes; planted now, will - produce a small crop of fruit during -the first season. In order to secure regular crops of fruit from these, it is necessary that the bushes be kept in as vigorous state of growth, as healthy young-wood must be freely - produced each season; if the trees become stunted and of slow growth, very little fruit will be produced on such wood. In order to maintain ,an active and even growth, extending over a number of years, the land should be deeply trenched and well manured before planting. FLOWER GARDEN.—Chrysanthemums are now the chief attraction, and where the space is limited they should be loosely tied to stout stakes. Phlox Drummondii is also in fine bloom in many gardens, and its duration should be prolonged by protecting it on the south side by branches of evergreens. Salvia fulgeus is also worth looking after, as it will continue blooming until frost causes the blooms to drop off. " GR'SENJIOUSE.—The leading plants in flower among the hardy kinds are chrysanthemums, salvias, and fcneT~old''lpomissis picta. The latter niabes- a good winter bloomer, either on sheltered borders or under glass, its tall spikes of coral red flowers being very jffective. "Large specimens of Luculia gratissima and^ the old Coronilla- glanca nii£ well tke*" caryaa33.t£emums in pots, and Epiphyllum truncatum and its scarlet variety should not be overlooked. Watering must now be carefully done, and should be applied early in the morning. Damp and a sluggish atmosphere are the two chief enemies to .. plant life to be contended with.