WORK FOR THE WEEK

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 17

WORK FOR THE WEEK

FLOWER GARDEN Now that the flowering brooms have finished flowering their seed pods should be removed and the plants carefully shaped. When cutting back the growth be careful not to cut hard back into the old wood as this rarely breaks into young growth. Lift all manner of spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, iris, etc., and after drying thoroughly store away after the holidays. Auy surplus stock should be planted in rough grass. Continue to give periodical soakings of liquid manure to roses and azaleas. Strong, healthy growth will result from applications at regular periods throughout the growing season. The recent wet weather has caused rapid growth among herbaceous perennials and a good deal of staking has been necessary. All stakes should be hidden as much as possible. The art of staking is to support the plants in such a manner as to give the impression that no stakes have been used. Now that the first flush of blossom is over in the rock garden arrangements should be made for propagating any stocks which are running low and notes should be made about any alterations or improvements which may be necessary during the autumn and winter. VEGETABLE GARDEN Spray apples and pears at intervals of ten days or a fortnight, using arsenate of lead, for the control of codlin moth. Spray cherries and any other fruit trees with Cleansel for the control of the leech as soon as it makes its appearance. This is usually about the second week of December. Prevention is better than cure. Napthalene scattered lightly over young growing crops, especially after weeding or thinning, will give off an unpleasant odour which, being offensive to insects, will save much trouble from their attentions. Melons, pumpkins and all membbers of the marrow tribe may now be planted out in warm sheltered places. Where the leaves become yellow and growth is slow a liquid manure consisting of an ounce of sulphate of ammonia dissolved in two gallons of water, will work wonders. Apply only after a thorough watering with clean water. New Zealand spinach, a plant growing wild on the shores of some parts of the North Island, is not so well known as it deserves to be. Flourishing during dry weather, it is an excellent summer vegetable. Seeds should be sown thinly along the rows and thinned to allow two feet between the plants. All garden refuse should be taken to the compost heap and as the heap is being built up a dressing of lime should be spread over it from time to time. All material which is not likely to decay quickly should be burned on the heap so that the ashes may not be lost. The necessity for periodical turnings should not be overlooked.