KG ARDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 532, 8 December 1928, Page 30

KG ARDEN

BY

LEONARD A. GRIFFITHS.

•• While, yjif the dew's on the ground Gather t%ose roses.'* — SHAKESPEARE.

CELERY TIPS

Home-grown celery is a luxury indeed, and although it is not produced with the same ease which is the happy lot of many of our vegetables, yet the extra time and trouble expended on

tliis crop is well compensated for when the luscious crop finds its way to the summer table. The illustration portrays the preparation of the special trenches together with a box of celery seedlings in readiness for insertion. “Hilling” is continued throughout the entire period of growth. See illustration “b.” The young celery plants should be removed without disturbing their roots if possible. It is in this operation that the man who has wisely sown his own seed scores an advantage, because he has made preparation for this important operation, by pricking his young seedlings off into boxes, preparatory to the removal to the trenches. Earthing up is performed throughout the entire growth, and is responsible for the blanching and tenderness of the stems. Many amateur gardeners are .wise

enough to appreciate the value of “pricking off” their seedlings into boxes, before finally transplanting into the open beds. The wisdom of this procedure will at once be observed from the pen sketch appearing above. Not only are the plants more uniform in size, but they carry a stubby root system, which invariably assures healthy and sturdy growth, and the maximum of satisfaction at flowering time. Plant life, in order to thrive, needs three things besides soil—moisture, heat and air. .With the majority of crops, the first two are the most important, but without the last—air — having access to the roots, the other factors cannot accomplish their best. It is the purpose of cultivation to keep down the weeds, to give air access to the roots and reserve moisture by creating a dust mulch out of the crust of the soil, which mulch will prevent the moisture from evaporating.

SUMMER BEDDING

The glory of spring flowers is over and our gardens must now change their dress for the summer. Tulips, daffodils and other bulbs can be lifted and the soil worked over in readiness for summer flowers. All tender plants can now be safely planted out of doors. In planting a garden, some consideration should be given to the colour of the house and the surroundings. An old red brick house which has mellowed with age may have the association of orange, salmon or cop-pery-crimson flowers. Nemesias, begonias and warm coloured snapdragons would blend well, with occasional groups of white —asters, gypsophila, tobacco flowers and chrysanthemums. With white houses, use flowers of bright hues, scarlet dahlias and cannas with bronze foliage. Grey stone buildings provide a setting for almost any colour scheme. In arranging a bed of flowers in a grass lawn, a pitfall to avoid is confusion of varieties. One of the most beautiful effects was obtained by a mixture of blue delphiniums with white antirrhinums. Scarlet lobelia (cardinalis) rising through a carpet of grey-leaved cineraria maritima, is equally effective. Another couple which associate well are tall orange red. snapdragons in a carpet of white alyssum. Snapdragons are undoubtedly the most popular of bedding plants, because of their lasting qualities. If the seed pods are removed as the central flowers die, fresh shoots spring from the sides. Moreover, this flower enjoys brilliant sunshine.

solution may be prepared in a barrel, mixing the fresh manure with water and allowing it to steep for five or six days. During this time fermentation will cause a thick scum to form on the surface and this should be removed. Stir the solution at least once a day during the period and always before using. For use, the liquid should have the appearance of weak tea and diluting in the proportions recommended, will reduce the solution to this consistency. Always keep the lid on the barrel so as to prevent insects from breeding in the solution, as well as to keep in the odours, which practically disappear after a" few days.