WORK FOR THE WEEK

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 103, 25 January 1935, Page 18

WORK FOR THE WEEK

The Flower Garden Put down layers of carnations as early as possible. Seed may also be sown in boxes. Cuttings of hydrangeas and geraniums may now be inserted in sharp sand. Be sure that dahlias and hydrangeas do not go short of water during the dry iveather. If wallflowers for next spring have not been sown, get the seed in at once. This is a good time to take in hand the raising of many flowering plants from seed, more particularly so because it is otherwise an “off” season for this work—that is to say, there is not a dearth of such work at the present time as there is in the spring time, and, usually, in the autumn. Hence it is wise to take this opportunity to use space that may not be easily spared at any other time. All kinds of perennial plants such as shrubs and herbaceous species, may be raised from seed now. The Kitchen Garden Although it is still too early to plant turnip seed for winter use a small quantity may now be sown for earlier use. Silver beet should be sown now. Sow in drills 15 inches apart and thin out to 12 inches-in the rows. The final crop of French, beans shouM be made now. Onions are notv pushing forward despite the dry weather. Where mildew is likely to occur they should be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture of 2—2—40 strength. Keep strawberry runners under control. If sufficient new plants have been obtained completely remove all runners Callage and cauliflower may bo planted for spring cutting. Further sowings of lettuce may ba made preferably in partial shade. Plant out leeks. MEDICINAL PLANTS . History of Herb-Growing Interest in herb-growing has been revived in recent years, and to-day the growing of herbs, for pleasure and profit, is receiving at least some of the consideration, it deserves. In olden times the herb garden was an impor-

tant department of the household, its products being in demand not only for medicinal purposes but also to flavour the food and provide cosmetics. ’’The Physick Garden,” by Edith Grey Wheelwright (London:- Jonathan Cape) traces the use of . herbs from the earliest times and discusses the modern possibilities of the industry. The author, who draws on her own wide exjjeriences in growing, preparing and marketing a wide range of herbs, is an authority on the subject. She has succeeded in combining an historical record with a practical manual which is sure of an appreciative publit Chapters of outstanding value to those who are interested in herb-grow-ing are “Medicinal Plants of the British Flora,” “Drug Plants of the British Empire” and “The Trade in Medicinal Herbs.” The book is freely illustrated with sketches and photographs. TRIALS OF A GARDENER A New ‘‘Marion Cran” England’s most popular garden writer is Mrs. Marion Cran, whose books have delighted many thousands of enthusiasts. It has been said that one knows what to expect from Marion Cran, and it is to prove that she can give her readers “something different,” that “The Squabbling Garden” (Herbert Jenkins, London) was written. The book sets out to explain the raising of squibs (pigeons for table), but the author is so often sidetracked with her real love—gardening—that the pigeons are very soon forgotten in the excitement of taming wild assistantgardeners, pruning fruit trees, and learning all about the growing of hardy plants in England. “The Squabbling Garden” is written in Mrs. Cran’s usual chatty style, and while entertaining her readers with garden gossip and village chatter, she manages to pour out a wealth of really valuable information on the art of growing things, ffliis is decidedly the work of a long experienced gardener who loves the good earth and its fruits. Well illustrated, “The Squabbling Garden” makes delightful reading. , A TRAP FOR WOODLICjE An Effective Device Amateur gardeners are frequently troubled by woodlice attacking their choice plants. Under these conditions woodlice are very troublesome pests. The way in which they hide under loose litter and in the soil makes them difficult to control. They do not stay op the plants like aphis ,or caterpillars and so it is difficult to control them by spraying. In addition their scaly coats protect them against spray fluids. It is possible, however, by persistent trapping to account for large numbers. The best type of trap to use consists of an old flower pot loosely filled with hay. If this is placed on the soil near the place where the woodlice are troublesome they will seek shelter in the hay. These traps should be examined daily aud shaken out into boiling water. It is no use to put the traps in position and leave them for several days. A daily inspection is necessary. If the hay becomes wet and “soggy” as it does' in wet weather, it needs to be replaced. By persistent effort a garden can in this way be almost free from woodliee. It is important not to leave any loose titter such as dead dry leaves lying about.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS ATI garden inquiries will be dealt with immediately on “The Hoe’s” return.