THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 80, 25 June 1927, Page 26

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE FLOWER GARDEN. June is one of the wettest months of the year and in most parts the ground is damp and cold. Constant hoeing is required between the flower beds; keep the soil well stirred and worked. This will help to dry up the ground. Sow the early spring flowering seeds now as follow; —Stocks, cineraria, pansy violas, antirrhiniums, carnations, nemesia, poppy', sweet pea, etc. Now that the weather is uncertain do not risk sowing seed in the open beds as too much wet may rot the seeds. Slugs and snails are vei\y numerous and generally reap a harvest during the wet weather. Only an enthusiast goes out in the rain to protect his hobby from these pests. Reduce their likelihood of destroying your plants by carefully weeding and clearing away' any dead wood or rubbish that they' may hide under. Continue to plant gladioli, lilium, amaryllis and monthbretia bulbs for summer flowering. Liliums do not like too damp a situation. Gladioli should be planted in rich soil mixed with a little sand. All summer flowering bulbs should be planted now. Pinch out the tops of any young seedlings that are showing premature flower buds. The cold wet weather often stops the growth for a short period and forces up unnatural flower spikes. If these are pinched it will make the plant branch out into fresh growth. Cut down the finished and unsightly chrysanthemum plants. This will help the mother plant to throw up fresh growth from the roots for future cuttings. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Broad beans may be planted now to crop in late spring. This vegetable is very' popular and quite easily grown. Unfortunately' the seed is scarce this year, so be sure you secure yours before you are too late. Don’t forget to plant rhubarb. This plant possesses wonderful properties and every garden should grow at least half a dozen good roots. Onion, cabbage, cauliflower and silver beet plants may be set at once. Cabbage and cauliflower should be planted in small quantities every three (3) weeks from now on to give succession crops. Although it is early, sowings of dwarf peas can now take place in warm gardens. William Hurst and American wonder are early varieties that succeed in Auckland. Neither of these peas requires staking. Continue to plant shallots and garlic for pickling or flavouring later on. These take the place of onions and should be more largely grown. Now is the time to overhaul your herb bed. Christmas is coming and every housewife requires herbs of some description for seasoning. Thyme roots may now be divided and planted out. Majoram and sage are necessary for every seasoning. An odd plant of each should find its way into every garden. Sow parsley' seed thinly' in drills; this makes an exceptionally fine border round the vegetable garden.