GARDEN JOTTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVLI, Issue 10, 6 September 1911, Page 38

GARDEN JOTTINGS.

All pruning should by this time have been completed. Roses may still be pruned, and in the colder localities any time during September will answer. W hen pruning these take out all weak

anti dead wood, and don't interfere with the roots. A spade should not be used in the rosebed. A dressing of bonedust w ill materia Uy help in securing a good crop of blooms. The bonedust should be forked in lightly. (’nttings of chrysanthemums may now be taken oil* the old clumps and propagated. ’These are easily rooted. ’The old (dumps should be lifted, and. if required, some of the stronger growths can be transplanted, but not in the same place. Better results are obtained by growing in fresh ground. Cuttings of fuchsias, pela rgoniums, and geraniums if set in sand, will root readily. These should not be neglected, as they will come in very useful later on. A sowing of Phlox Driimmondii grandillora. may be made under a frame or in some sheltered spot. Keep a watchful eye on slugs. Carnations should be breaking into growth by now in Auckland and other parts of the North Island. In order to secure good stock plants, any straggly growths should be pinched back. This will cause the plant to send out a bunchy lateral growth. Gently hot* over the beds, and keep free from weeds.

Primroses and polyanthus will be greatly benefited by watering with weak liquid manure. ’This can be made from fowl droppings, and applied once a week till llowering ceases. Where lawns are intended to be topdressed. the work should be attended to. Sec that what you put on is free from weed seeds. ’The dressing, if lumpy, can be put over a half inch sieve, and it should not be overdone. A light dressing will generally do more good than an extra heavy one. Where stable nianiiH 1 is available, the rosebeds should get a liberal top-dress-ing. Apply after the pruning is all finished. We learn from Aiist/ai'a. that the new Spencer strain of early or Christmas llowering sweet peas are a great success there, and there is every probability of there being a much greater demand for these in the future. ’Those in the Auckland province who have tried these early llowering sorts, are loud ?n their praise, as they come in so much earlier than the standard sorts. We expect to hear of a much larger number of growers go in for them next season.