THE WEEK’S WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 22 (Supplement)

THE WEEK’S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. The weather, although cold, has allowed garden operations to be carried on without a break. Now is the time to get any alterations and repairs under way. The renovation and replanting of herbaceous borders should receive attention. Place conspicuous labels to any plant or bulb that dies completely down, such as Liliums, Paeonies, Delphiniums. Prepare new beds for Roses and go over existing beds, lifting any plants that are old and past their best. It is advisable to add a few new Roses each year, and this means that some of the old ones have to go. As the Chrysanthemums go over cut the plants down. Encourage the growth of strong suckers by keeping the stools free of weeds. Bulbs are showing up. At the earliest opportunity run the hoe between them. If weeds are very bad use the garden fork and skim the top two inches, turning the weeds under. Now is the time to prepare the ground for new hedges. Usually hedges are required in a hurry, and the better the preparation of the ground the more quickly the hedge is effective. Do not forget to place any orders for Roses early. Plants that are put out early in winter give the best results. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. Break up the soil well, allowing no weeds to grow. If there is no crop to be planted for a month or so, sow oats or mustard. Seedling crops must be weeded and close watch kept for the ravages of birds and slugs. Clean up and bury all rubbish. If it is woody stuff, burn it. It is difficult to prove, but most of our gardening troubles arise from weeds and rubbish that are allowed to go unnoticed. Plantings of Cabbage can be made. The more advanced crops should have the soil drawn up to the stems. The final earthing of Celery should he done now. If the plants have suffered from rust it should be a point to burn every piece of leaf that is damaged. Potato sets should be stood in boxes to sprout prior to planting. Onions and other things in store should be looked over and any showing signs of growing or decay should be picked out.