THE FLOWER GARDEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 111, 13 May 1933, Page 13

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Chrysanthemums are now the floral feature of the garden. After the large blooms are over the side bud* produce further flowers for cutting. With the exception of a few odd flowers dahlias are over for the season. Do not cut the tops back until they have partially ripened off. Zinnias, cosmea, phlox Drummondii, balsams, coreopsis and other annuals that are past should be deeply dug under, burying the tops. Carnation layers that were planted in a separate bed for the winter should be kept free from weeds. Occasionally dust the plants with lime. Stocks are often infested with aphides that spoil the plants. Spraying with Gishurst’s Compound, or nicotine sulphate, with a little soap added, will kill the aphis. A second application may be necessary. The autumn is the best time to take off, make and insert cuttings of hedge and other shrubs. Michaelmas daisies, heleniums, golden glows and other herbaceous perennials should have the old flower stems cut back to the surface. , Fallen leaves now litter the garden and grounds. Have them collected every few days and deposited with grass clippings, etc., to decay and produce leaf mould.

Sow newly-made lawns with best lawn mixture seeds. Well rake in and finally roll. Renovate old lawns by a surface application of sulphate of ammonia and sow some fresh seed.