The Garden.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 21, 19 August 1893, Page 11

The Garden.

GARDEN NOTES FOR AUGUST. (By Murihiku.) Vegetable Garden —Vacant ground which has been dug up roughly to the action of the weather in the early part of winter, will now be in good condition for cropping, from the ease with which it can be broken down and px*epared for seed sowing. Though the weather should be on the improve we are still subject to hard frosts, so that attention should still be given to anything tender out of doors. If not already done, a small sowing of peas broad beans, cabbage, onions, cauliflowers, etc., should be made as a first crop, and if fine weather continues towards the end of the month, a larger sowing of these, together with radish, lettuce, turnips, carrots, parsnips, leeks, herbs, etc. may be made. Early potatoes may also be planted, selecting a dry and warm situation, and one likely to be protected from late frosts as much as possible. The transplanting of rhubarb, seakale and asparagus should be attended to without delay, and if required for forcing should be started at once by placing a barrel or box over the crowns, and covering with fresh stable manure. Shallots, garlic and potato onions may still be planted; also keep the ground stirred between growing crops of cabbage, cauliflower, etc. Fruit Garden. —Proceed with the transplanting of fruit trees and bashes, raspberry canes, and straw-

berry plants. . Remove all : suckers from the roots of fruit trees, and any pruning not yet done should be no longer flexed. A good mulching of manure around the roots of all fruit trees will be found very beneficial. As this month is about the last of. the ■transplanting season, all intended alterations, new hedges, etc, in the grounds should be seen to as soon as possible. Flower Garden. There are still many late-flowering bulbs—certain kinds of lilies and gladiolus—which may still be planted ; as also roots of all hardy flowers such as auricula, polyanthias, poeonies, etc. Transplant all kinds of shrubs, and secure by stakes those likely to be blown about"by the wind. Towards the end of the month a sowing may be made of a few hardy annuals —Olarkia, Sweet Peas, ISTemophila, Lupins, etc. — on a warm border, so that even if failure does result, ample time will be left for a re-sowing.