WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5279, 8 June 1895, Page 1

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

TO GARDENERS.

Kitchen Garden.— The weather which has prevailed during the latter part of autumn and beginning of winter has caused a wonderful growth in most kinds of vegetables, and at the present time there is an abundant supply of all crops in season. The practise of beheading Brussels sprouts may be followed in such a mild season with advantage, as it tends to encourage the growth of the sprouts. Besides the usual operations which should be in progress, such aB trenching, digging, spreading out manure, &c, the edgings of walks should have a share of attention. Spring may, in some respects, be a more suitable time for this work, but the advantage is co small that it is hardly worth while deferring it to such a busy period. AH defective places in box, thyme, or other, edgings should, therefore, he repaired at once, and if any new lines are to be made these should also be attended to before the wet weather sets in. When old edgings become too large the best plan is to take them up, divide and replant/ Any walks which require turning over or new gravelling, should be seen to now; a thin sprinkling of salt carefully applied will destroy moss and other weeds and improve the appearance of the walks.

Flower Garden. — For the advancement of the work in this department the extraordinarily fine, open weather of the past month has been all that could be wished for by those having alterations on hand, and such work being in a forward state planting may be proceeded with. All kinds of deciduous trees and shrubs can be successfully planted now, and although it is not the orthodox season for evergreens these will, hollies excepted, bear removal equally well, and they can certainly be better planted whilst the soil is not saturated with moisture. With reßpect to roseß, the influence of the season on planting is more marked, May and early in June being the beßt period of planting them. Roseß should therefore be procured and planted at once, after which a thick mulching of stable litter will help them to become established. The roots of rose stocks are very easily excited, in fact, it is questionable if they are ever at rest in thia climate.

Gbbenhousi. — When the stages are kept well furnished with flowering plants, damp must be prevented in dull and wet weather by keeping the air drier by means of gentle fires. Careful watering is essential in the winter months, but the opposite extreme of dryness must be guarded against, as many plants require a moderate amount of water, especially snch as are in a blooming condition. To keep a hellebore, cineraria or heliotrope on the verge of dryness would invite the appearance of green fly and check the growth of the plants. There are a few plants which should be lifted from the boiders, if not already done, and either potted or put thickly together in boxes. Of theße the Lobelia Cardinaliais one that

is always benefited by this treatment. The clnmps oan be divided and grown on into strong plants by bedding-out time, if they are brought under the shelter of glass, either in frame or greenhouse.