THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 8

THE GARDEN.

WORK FOR THE WEEK

KITCHEN GARDEN.—Digging and trenching, wheeling out manure upon tho quarters, and turning compost heaps can be proceeded with. Generally all work should bo pushed forward which will relieve the pressure during tho busy time of spring. When 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 largo pots, surrounding them 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 tho best early varieties.

FRUIT GARDEN.--Whore orchard trees have been neglected and are crowded with a thicket of useless sprays sever© thinning and pruning of tho inner branches must be resorted to, as the trees cannot produco fruit except ut the extremities of the outer branches whilst they have to support a forest of useless wood.

FLOWER GARDEN.-Onportunities will occur when holes for planting choice shrubs and trees may be prepared by removing unsuitable soil and substituting a proper compost, When trees »r shrubs are not doing well the soil may bo carefully removed from tho roots and replaced with fresh compost. This timely attention will often save a choice shrub and cause it to make a healthy growth. After frost, hardy annuals must be protected from sunshine by a few branches of evergreen, as it is very destructive of new growth. The tubers of dahlias suffer from both damp and over-dryness. It is best to pot choico tubers in a sandy compost and place them where they will not be liable to drip, in a house from which frost can be kept out.

GREENHOUSE.—Tho demand for flowers from tho glass structures is always great when none uro to bo obtained from tho pardon; therefore it requires a considerable amount of thought and management to keep up a supply, especially if tho

space is limited and no fire heat is at command. It is useless to look for bloom from plants which do not flower naturally at this season, or ■which have not boon piepared beforehand. Azalea amaena, is perhaps the most manageable of this showy tribe of plants, and it has the merit ol being very floriferous, and the blooms &ve very suitable for bouquets. Mardner's Paulino, The Bride, and The Flag of Truce are also good for the purpose, durable in petal, and distinct in colour. Where many camellias are grown they should be 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 plants into premature growth, and take every means to guard against damp.