FARMER AND GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF MAY.

Southland Times, Issue 954, 20 May 1868, Page 3

FARMER AND GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF MAY.

Kitchen Garden. — Ihis is the first month of Winter, and it is a favorable time for making imy alterations contemplated, such a 9 the 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 apart ; Privet, Sweet Briar, and Broom, nine inches apart. Thorn quick hedge-rows that have made one year's growth, if strong should now 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 thau 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 water. Plant Asparagus, and top-dress old beds with short manure. Plant Rhubarb, and apply manure to former plantings. Plant Globe Artichokes 5 also Cabbage and Cauliflower. Sow Peas and Beans in sheltered places. Sow Radish. Keep weeds down by every possible means. Fbxtix Gabden. — Get ground in readiness for the planting of fruit trees and bushes. It is not advisable 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 those planted later in the season. Prune when the trees and bushes have shed their leaves — not before. Plant Strawberries and Raspberry canes. FiowEß Gabden. — This department will still be interesting. The Crysanthemum, which is one of the finest Autumn flowera we have, and which thrives a-nazingly here, is now coming into bloom. If a little attention be paid to arranging the plants eb 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, Lauristinus, Pyrus, Japonica, the Cyprus, 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.