WORK IN THE GARDEN.

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 6, 17 June 1927, Page 8

WORK IN THE GARDEN.

(By OLD TIMER.)

We are now at the mercy' of vthe weather and must work accordingly. During heavy rains keep off the ground, but prepare to go on it when weather permits and make ready for the busy spring. All preparatory work such as digging, trenching; etc., should be pushed on with vigour. Good cultivation will show results later by finer and more abundant crops. Cabbage and lettuce may be planted out providing the plants are available. Early peas may be planted in warm, sheltered situations. IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. Given fine weather this should' be a busy time in the flower garden. Rose planting should be in full swing and flowering shrubs of all descriptions can be planted with safety. Fruit trees and any kind of trees or shrubs may be planted or moved if required to different situations. Avoid planting in pot holes: i.e., digging a hole just large enough and no more; such planting generally results in failure. Dig a roomy hole, thoroughly loosen up the bottom of the hole, place the three or shrub in position, fill in the soil, treading it in firmly as the work proceeds to within a few inches of the surface. The welfare of your plants will greatly depend on the planting. SIX GOOD CLIMBING ROSES. RECOMMENDED. Ards Rover—Crimson shaded and maroon. Climbing Devonieusis—Cream. Climbing Papagontier—Rich red. Climbing Paul's Scarlet Climber— Vivid scarlet. Climbing Ophelia—Salmon flesh. Climbing Hugh Dickson—Brilliant crimson. For pergolas, old fences, sloping banks, etc., the following are strongly recommended: American Pillar, shell pink; Shower of Gold, pellow; Crimson Rambler, crimson. TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAWNS. There is no feature connected with a residence in this country which adds to its picturesqueness, or is more important than a well-kept lawn. A good lawn depends in a great measure in keeping the turf in good condition through the years, and to this end a top-dressing annually or bi-annually of good loamy soil with a sprinkling of bonedust or basic slag is strongly recommended. All weeds should be spudded out or killed by poison. Daisies, although at first only existing in small quantities, if not got out by the roots, will increase rapidly. I am afraid gardeners generally do not, when they start their mowing machines, look so affectionately on the "wee modest, crimson-tipped flower" as did Burns, when he saw his plough ruthlessly turning them below the sod, nor do they often lament their fate as he does. "Thou's met me in an evil hour, For I maun crush among the flower Thy slender stem, To spare thee now is past my power, Thou Bonnie Gem." But of course Burns saw it under very different circumstances. He viewed it in the "stubblefield, unseen, alane," while gardeners see it creeping up on their much-cherished, velvety lawns spoiling the "verdant hue" so highly valued. I am one of those unpoetic mortals who almost hate the sight of daisies, for daisies and plantaens give a lot of trouble to those who try to keep their grass in good condition, for they grow so quickly that in the course of a week or so they are too high for any machine to cut cleanly., So make war on them in the early stages of their growth. Have your mowing machines looked over before the spring, for nothing is worse than a blunt and out of order machine.