GARDENERS' CALENDAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 314, 1 May 1868, Page 3

GARDENERS' CALENDAR.

MAY Kitchen- Garden.—This is the first month of Winter, and it is a favourable time for making any alteration contemplated, such as the forming and gravelling of paths, and the preparing for and of live fences, which succeed best when planted as early as the plants can be moved with safely. Plant Thorn Quicks s'.:.inehes apart; Holly, twelve inches; Privet, Sweet Briar, and Broom, nine inches apart. Thorn Quicks that have made one year's growth will be benifited by being cut down close to the ground and cler.red of weeds. Plant Rhubarb, Asparagus, and Sea Kale in deep, rich, moist ground; but make provision for the escape of stagnant water. Plant Asparagus, and top-dress old beds with short manure. Plant Rhubarb, and apply manure to former plantings. Plant Globe Artichokes; also Cabbage and Cauliflower. Sow Peas and Beans in sheltered places. Sow Radish. Keep weeds down by every possible means. Fruit Garden.—Get ground in readiness for the planting of fruit trees and bushes. It is not advisab'e to bring up the subsoil to the surface by trenching, but it ought to be well loosened to the depth of two feet at least. Trees planted towards the end of this month will succeed better than these planted later in the season. Prune when the trees and bushes have shed their leaves—not before. Plant Strawberries and Raspberry canes. Flower Garden.—This department will s';ill be interesting. The Chrysanthemum, which is one of the finest Autumn flowers we have, and which thrives amazingly here, is now coming into bloom. If a little attention bo paid t<l arranging the plants as to height and colour, giving them a sheltered border, noflowes will be mure attractive at this season. Plant bulbs of Crocus, Narcissus, Hyacinth, Jonquil, Tulip, etc. Gather and dry flower seeds. Choice trees and shrubs cannowbe transplanted with safety, such as the Ithododen Iron, Laurirtinus, Pyrus Japoircn, the Cypress, the Laurel, Cedar, and Pine trees. There are many pretty native shrubs very ornamental when cultivated in the garden, and these are deserving of more attention than is generally bestowed upon them.