GARDENER’S CALENDAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 419, 29 April 1870, Page 3

GARDENER’S CALENDAR.

MAY. Kitchen Garden.—This is the first month of winter, and it is is a favorable time for making any alterations contemplated, such as forming and gravelling of paths, and the preparing for and planting of live fences, which succeed best when planted as early as the plants can be moved with safety. Plant thorn quicks six inches apart; holly, twelve inches ; privet, sweet brar, and broom, nine inches apart. Thorn quick hedge-rows that have made one year's gowth, if strong, should be cut down close to the ground, but if weak, this important operation should be deferred Until after the second year's growth is made. The cutting down of thorn quicks tends to thicken them at the root, and the growth for years after will be more vigorous than if they had only received a partial cutting. Plant rhubarb, asparagus, and sea kale in deep, rich, moist ground; but make provision for the escape of stagnant

1 water. Top-dress old beds of asparagus ! with short manure. Plant globe artichokes j also, cabbage and cauliflower. Sow peas and beans in sheltered places. Sow radish. Keep weeds down by every possible means. Fruit Garden. —Got ground in readiness for the planting of fruit trees and bushes. It is not advisable to bring up the subsoiljto 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 the month will succeed bettor than those planted later id the season. Prune when the trees and bushes have shed their leaves—not before. Plant strawberries and raspberry canes. Flower Garden. —This department will still be interesting. The crysauthoinmn, which is one of the finest Autumn flowers we have, and which thrives amazingly here, is now coming into bloom. If a little attention be paid to arranging the plants as to height and color, giving them a sheltered border, no flower will be more attractive at this season. Plant bulbs of crocus, narcissus, hyacinth, jonquil, tulip, &c. Gather and dry flower seeds. Choice [trees and shrubs can now be transplanted with safety,— such as the rhododendron, lauvistinus, pyrus japonica, the Cyprus, the lanrel, cedar, and pine Jtrees. There are many pi'etty native shrubs very ornamental when cultivated in the garden, and these are deserving of more attention than is generally bestowed upon them.