THE WEEK'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 231, 29 September 1928, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE WEEK'S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Prepare the beds for Chrysanthemum* so that all is ready for planting about the middle of October. Chrysanthemums in pots should have the tops pinched out when the plants are about three inches high. Boxed plants are best put out in a nursery bed; allow about six inches between the plants. Such plants will lift with a mass of fibrous roots when planted out in October. Tbe weather has prevented much outside work this last week, and the soil will need stirring with the hoe after the heavy rains. The weather has been against small seedlings, and in many cases they have disappeared entirely, and it will be a case of replanting. When the vacancies are very numerous the best way is to lift the whole lot and replant. Border Carnations will need staking before the flower spikes begin to run up. Dust the plants with a mixture of equal parts powder lime and flowers of sulphur to keep down rust. Roses that were pruned early are making good growth. Watch for aphis, and on the first signs spray with a nicotine solution. A planting of Gladioli can be made. The bulbs should flower about January. Evergreens and such things as Lucullias, Poinsettias, Hibiscus, can be planted now. Pot-grown plants can be put out at any itme. Now is a good time to plant out pot-grown Clematis. Plant where the lower part of the stem can be shaded. Clematis need a good soil with their feet in the shade and their heads in the sun. Cuttings of Dahlias can be taken off. If only a few plants are required the best way is to divide the tubers; be sure, however, that there is a bud left to each tuber. Old plants of Chrysanthemums can be lifted and divided up. If the offsets are planted in a bed of good soil till they have made new roots they can be lifted and planted out in their permanent quarters quite safely. If the storms have caused trees or shrubs to sway so as to form a cavity close to the stem, fill it in with soil and ram it firm. If left it fills with water, and is often the cause of tender subjects going off.