THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 276, 11 February 1928, Page 26

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE FLOWER GARDEN The hot dry spells peculiar to February are now upon us with a vengeance. Gardening reverses are by no means common in the pursuit of this absorbing hobby, but the future rich rewards garnered from our labours make the battle indeed worth while. Gardening automatically brings with it health and happiness and sets a sure foundation for the cultivation of a joyous home life. Flower Seeds to Sow: —In cool.seed beds and boxes the following varieties may be set for early flowering. JVhen our present drought breaks plenty of quick blooming annuals will be wanted to make a good show. Sow in boxes antirrhinums, Iceland poppies, pansy, nemesia, stocks, phlox, cineraria, calliopsis, wallflower, etc. Where water is available the following seeds may be drilled out along borders and flower beds: —Mignonette, Virginian stock, phlox, lupins, linaria, godetia, and clarkia. These may be thinned out as they grow and can be relied upon to make a splash of colour. The less said about water the better. We all know this is the principal factor controlling gardening at present. Where supplies are plentiful, good soakmgs should be applied to all dahlias and chrysanthemums if continuous blooms are expected. Caterpillars are busy breeding in hundreds. Spray all plants with arsenate of lead paste, two teaspoonfuls to a gallon of water. Any signs of aphis or spider may be checked with black leaf 40, one and a-half teaspoonfuls to a gallon of soapy water. Spring flowers should be foremost in our minds and the planting of all bulbs should be attended to for borders. The following are worthy subjects:— LACHENALIAS.—GoIden bells growing about nine inches high with spotted leaves. Plant six inches apart. FREESIAS.—Too well know to describe. The scent of these graceful flowers makes them a general favourite. Plant three inches apart. SCILLAS or Wood Hyacinths.—Pretty blue and white flowers about eight inches high. Easily grown and hardy on poor soils. Plant about three inches apart. For bedding, anemones, tulips, ranunculus and daffodils are all popular subjects now available. Early planting is always best as good growth is assured before the wet weather prevails. Jonquils may be planted in clumps between the rose beds. Early winter sweet peas may still be set. This dry weather the seed should be well soaked before planting and given frequent waterings onCe the seedlings begin to show through. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Of all seasons of the year, late summer and early autimu harbour the most pests. Frequent sprayings for fly and caterpillar must be carried on if crops are to be saved. (See directions above). There is still time for a late planting of dwarf peas and beans. The seed should be soaked well before sowing and if water is forthcoming, will crop in. about eight weeks. Sow thinly in drills. The following seedlings may be set: —Cabbage, curly greens, celery, leeks, rhubarb, lettuce and beet. Sow the following seed:— Turnips, radish, beet, swedes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, red cabbage, parsley and cress. The lifting and drying of onions, shallots and garlic $s an important operation which should now take place. Thoroughly dry in the sun and store in an airy place. Green crops may be sown in their vacant ground. Tomatoes need close watching for the ravages of caterpillar and constant spraying is essential. Lawns are now badly neglected and little can be done until rain falls. The summer pruning of fruit trees may still be continued (see below article) and constant hoeing and working round the trunks is much needed. Sow silver beet for winter fowl feed. Melons and pumpkins are now forming plenty of fruit and liquid manure is the best tonic required. Apply in the cool of the evening every week. Celery should be moulded up as it grows. Pick regularly all peas and beans as they ripen to prolong the bearing. If a crop of potatoes is required before winter, plant now.