THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 986, 31 May 1930, Page 32

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS Gardening is a great force; it has a freemasonry of its own. It is the open sesame to many a conversation that has led to a lifelong friendship. Indeed there is scarcely a flower which at one time or another has not drawn gardeners together in the common bond of friendship. Roses, the queen of flowers, fill our minds. Plant at once strong varieties that are likely to succeed. Six worth-while sorts are George Dickson, Edel, Mrs. W. H. Rowe, Sunburst, C. E. Shea, Golden Ophelia. Do not crush the roots when planting. Creepers are always an asset to any garden home and many choice varieties may now be set. Ficus, the creeper for stone posts and walls is always attractive. For flowering on pergolas, tacsonia, solanum, kennedya and bougainvillea are splendid. Plant now hedge trees, shrubs and ornamental plants of all descriptions. Dig the soil deeply, loosening the subsoil before setting. Manure the ground with blood and bone and lime where necessary. Many attractive perennials may be planted now, such as cannas, golden glow, helenum. carnations, marguerite daisy and dozens of other plants that may occupy a permanent place in the borders. Lime the ground well before planting. Cyclamen plants should be bedded out in a sunny spot for quick flowers. Plant nine inches apart. Ai> attractive border round this bed would be primula malacoides, a dainty mauve-coloured flower blooming for weeks. Violas, yellow and blue, are also worthy of consideration Sow the seeds of the following varieties:—Stocks, cinerarias, sweet peas, verbena, pansy, nemesia and delphinium. In sheltered spots the following early plants may be set: Pansy, antirrhinum, larkspur, verbena, poppy Iceland, statice, cornflower, lobelia, viola and cyclamen. VEGETABLE AND ORCHARD GARDEN Frequent cultivation between the rows of vegetables with the hoe and fork is to be highly recommended as it not only assists in warming the soil, but prevents sourness from the heavy falls of rain. Applications of artificial manure may be applied and are quickly washed to the roots. Growth will naturally be slower owing to the cold weather, but the gardener still likes to see crops growing in the kitchen garden. Broad beans are an excellent and hardy subject. Set the seeds four inches apart. Artichokes may be planted in odd corners of the garden where they will increase rapidly. Sow the following seeds in drills facing the sun:—Onions, beet, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, silver beet and spring onions. Plant out herbs, all varieties, and set garlic, shallots and potato onions. Commence spraying fruit trees that are dormant with lime and sulphur and red oil. Applications may be given stronger at this period of the year and will kill out all insects and eggs that may be breeding in the bark and branches of the trees. June is the month to shift new fruit trees into their permanent homes and gardeners should study catalogues to find out the most profitable varieties to grow. Small gardeners cannot afford to grow varieties that are shy bearers. Do no overlook the planting of rhubarb. Half a dozen roots of this health-giving plant will supply the needs of the average family. Asparagus roots may be set in specially prepared beds and strawberry runners should be attended to right away. In fact, the month of June holds plenty of scope for the energetic gardener who loves his garden.