THE GARDENER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 112, 12 June 1880, Page 4

THE GARDENER.

NOTES FOR THE PRESENT MONTH, BY A PROFESSIONAL GARDENER. JUNE. KITCHEN GARDEN. Little remains to bo done at this season further than the storing of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beet, and artichokes. Manure and dig every vacant plot of ground, so as to expose it to the action of the weather, and thereby ensure the ground being in good order for spring sowing and planting, as much of the success of spring sown crops depends on how the ground is prepared at this season. This is a good season to make beds of asparagus, rhubarb, and sea kale. Where new beds are desired, existing ones should have the halura cleared off, and receive a good dressing of salt—the salt from bacon-curing factories answers the purpose admirably, and can be purchased for very little ; also give the beds a good dressing of manure from the stable yard. It is supposed by many that by sowing peas and beans at this season early crops will be obtained, but I find that by a judicious collection of early varieties sown in August, the difference (if any) will be in favor of the spring sown ones, to say nothing of having to keep the autumn ones free from weeds. ORCHARD. Piune all trees and berry bushes. Put in cuttings of gooseberry and currants of best sorts that it is desirable should be increased. Those that anticipate planting new orchards should lose no time in preparing the ground and carrying out their intended plans in that direction. Raspberries should have all the old canes cut out, and the new ones thinned, selecting the strongest ones for next season’s crop. Cut the tops off and tie the canes up to a stake. Manure and dig the ground round all fruit-bearing trees and bushes, when pruning operations are furnished. Trim hedges and edging borders, so that the garden may present a neat tidy appearance during the winter months. SHRUBBERY, FLOWER GARDENS, &C. As the bloom of the season is now over, all tender plants that still are unprotected should at once be removed to some place of shelter from frost ; flower!!beds should be cleared, manured, and dug ; bulbs for early spring-flowering may still be planted, and any alterations contemplated in shrubbery borders or plantations may now be proceeded with. Those proposing to plant roses should do so at once, to ensure good blooms the following summer. Persons anticipating the planting of large plantations should plough the ground at once, and thereby assist Nature in pulverising the soil.