THE FLOWER GARDEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 19 (Supplement)

THE FLOWER GARDEN

The planting of ornamental, evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, including shelter trees, hedge plants, roses and other permanent subjects may be proceeded with. Early planting is recommended, provided the plants have been properly prepared and are in fit condition for safe removal. Deciduous trees and shrubs need no previous preparation. At the time of removal, take them up with as little injury to their roots as possible.

Discontinue the sowing of flower seeds, excepting Virginian stocks, in the open ground. Weed among and thin previous sowings.

Dahlias that have been cut back should be dug up. Carefully remove the soil from among the tubers by hoeing, or otherwise working it out. Well dry the roots before storing them in a cellar under the house or other suitable place. After taking them up, cover with sacking if left out during frosty weather.

Cut back the old flower stems of chrysanthemums and carefully weed among the suckers at the base. If necessary, the old plants may be taken up and replanted in a separate dry bed. Carnation layers previously planted in a prepared raised bed must be kept free from weeds and the plants given a liberal dusting of lime every ten days.

Now is the best time to take off. make and insert cuttings of various shrubs that are propagated in this manner and also hedge plants. The rock garden should receive a general overhaul. Root out plants that are too old and exhausted. Cut back others that have spread too far. Bed out seedlings of pansies, violas, linarias, gaillardias, stocks, calendulas, penstemons, coreopsis, ncmesias, cinerarias and cornflowers.