THE WEEK'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 230, 28 September 1929, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE WEEK'S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Camellias, Azaleas,- Rhododendrons, and any pot-grown shrubs, can be planted out. Early•• flowering shrubs, such as Abutillons, Bouyardias, Daphnes, Lasiandras, should be pruned as soon as they begin to,make new growth. ; „ Many of these choice and less tender subjects are spoilt for the* sake of a little timely pruning; if left unpruned they become leggy and untidy. Seeds of many hardy annuals can be. sown ..outside; do not cover deeply, and watch for birds and other pests. Newly planted trees and shrubs should have surface soil stirred, and in many cases staking will be necessary to support them against high winds: Bedding plants of most kinds can be planted now. The soil is now in perfect condition for planting. , ■•- ' Sow seeds of Salvia, Petunias, Schizarithus, Balsams, Celosias, and other tender subjects, under: glass. Chrysanthemums will now be pushing up cuttings, and as soon as & couple of inches high they should be taken off and rooted in sandy soil. •*. Old stools of Chrysanthemums can be lifted, and the offsets broktsn off and planted up. Prepare the ground for planting Chrysanthemums; a rich soil is necessary, but as they are shallow rooting plants, do not put the manure down deep. Cannas that have been left in the ground, and have made large* clumps, should be taken up and divided. The results are much better if the plants are divided every year. Michaelmas Daisies' and Perennial Phlox should be lifted, and single offsets planted. Grown in a similar manner to Chrysanthemums, the results are better than when the clumps are left year after year. • > '• . • • Roses are growing freely. Watch for aphis, and at first signs give a spray of nicotine. / Roses are gross feeders, and respond well to applications of liquid manure. - ' , ' Prepare the ground for Asters. The wilt disease has been so prevalent of late years that it will be advisable to treat the soil with some fumigantCinerarias that are beginning to flower must be watched for aphis. A spray with nicotine given in time will check the pest before it gets a chance to damage the plants. Anemones are flowering freely. Keep the old blooms, closely cut. If seed is required, only save one or two of the best flowers.. Carnations are growing freely, and the plants should be cleaned and the surface soil stirred. An Application of bonedust stirred into the soil will benefit them. As soon as the flower shoots of Carnations begin to run up, the plant); should be staked. The ideal Carnation support is yet to be .invented, and three or four stakes placed round the plant with ' strands of raffia tied round at intervals is still as satisfactory as any method. ■ . ; .'" -■."'