GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR MAY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 391, 4 May 1880, Page 3

GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR MAY.

"WRITTEN EXPRESSLY FOR THE AKAROA MAIL.

Kitchen. Garden.

Thib is the first month of winter, and is «t favorable time for making any alterations 'contemplated ■;■ such as the, .forming «nd gravelling of paths, and the preparing for and planting live fences, which succeed 'best when planted as early as the plants can be moved with safety. Plant thorn quicks sis inches .apart, holly, twelve inches; privet, sweetbriar, and broom, nine inches apart. Thorn quicks that have had two years growth Bhould now be cut down close to the ground. This tends to thicken them at the root, and the growth for years after will be more than if they only received a partial cutting. Plant rhubarb, asparagus, > and sea kale in deep, rich moist ground, but make provision for the escape of stagnant water. Top. dress asparague beds with sea weed where it can be procured, otherwise give the beds a good sprinkling of salt and short manure. Plant rhubarb and apply manure to former plantings. Plant globe artidhok6S, also cabbage and cauliflower. Sow a few peas and beaDS in a sheltered place; keep weeds down by ©very possible means. .. mUIT GABDEN. Get ground in readiness for the planting of fruit trees and bushes. It is not advisable in trenching or digging pits for the reception of fruit trees to bring the eubsoil to the surface, but let it be well loosened to the depth of two feet. Trees planted about the end of the month will succeed better than those planted later n the season. Prune when trees and bushes have shed their leaves, not before. Plant raspberry canes. FLOWER GARDEN. The chrysanthemum queen of autumn flowers at present makes our beds and borders gay with its attractive flowers; •where a little attention has been paid •to arranging the plants as to light and color, nothing could look finer at this season, Plant buibs of crocus, narcissus, jonquil, tulip, hytecinthe, &c. Choice trees and ehrubs can now be planted with •safety such as rhododendron, lauristinas, laurels and all varieties of the conebearing trees. There are many pretty native shrubs very ornamental when cultivated,,' which are deserving of more Attention than is generally bestowed on them.