THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 696, 22 June 1929, Page 30

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS SEEDLINGS FOR EARLY DISPLAYS—When provision has not been made earlier by seed sowing-, it is advisable to plant immediately any of the following annuals which will enable you to have a good show for early spring display: Iceland poppies, primulas, pansy, violas, stocks, cinerarias, anemones and ranunculus. PERENNIALS PAY TO GROW.—AII gardeners should have at least a few clumps of hardy perennials as they fill up odd corners and save expense of yearly plantings. Many subjects may now be planted and foremost of a large list are delphinium clumps, Michaelmas daisy, cannas, golden glow, helenium, scarlet lobelia and carnations. If you have a damp, shady corner, try a clump of lily of the valley. IMPORTANT JOBS.—Lift dahlia tubers that have completely died down and store away in a dry, airy place. Lawnmowers will be very little used during the winter. See that they are put away thoroughly dried. They cost money to replace Autumn-planted bulbs are now well advanced. Stir between the rows with a hand-fork and notice the fresh growth they make. ROSE AND BULB PL ANTI NGS.—The general planting of rosea may be commenced at once. All soils should be well trenched and a good supply of rotted manure dug in. An open, sunny situation is the best place for roses, as shade draws up long, straggling growths. All types of lilium bulbs may be planted now, including the famous L. Auratum or golden-rayed lily of Japan. Japanese and German iris may be set at once. ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS.—Wise gardeners are ordering their shrubs and trees now before the best specimens are picked out. Prepare the holes at once, digging deeply and loosening the subsoil. A handsome evergreen shrub is just as attractive as a flowering specimen, and does not make the same mess with fallen petals. Here are a few of the best varieties: Cedar, eunonymous, japonica, retisospora aurea and ericordas, acmena floribunda coprosma variegated, acubea, Norfolk pine. FLOWERING SHRUBS.—The varieties of flowering shrubs are innumerable and every gardener has his own likes and dislikes. Yearly increasing in popularity is the pink-flowered luc.ulia in flower now. The large purple lasiandra, with its cup-shaped flowers, also takes some beating. Among the dwarfed specimens for planting now are fuchsia, daphnes, boronias, choysias, ericas or heaths. Other taller shrubs of note are poinsettia, polygala and rhododendrons. THE KITCHEN GARDEN EARLY POTATOES AND PEAS.—In many districts the planting of potatoes may be started. Seed should be laid out to sprout and the ground well trenched. Early Puritan, Russet and Rose are three good early sorts. Where heavy frosts are experienced planting may be delayed until later. Early dwarf peas may be sown in sheltered gardens, William Hurst being the best first early. PLANTS AND ROOTS TO SET. —Onion seedlings are now ready for setting. Brown and StraAV Spanish are the best. Cabbage, Enfield Market, may be set for spring use. Silver beet is available for a quick crop and is also handy for using as fowl feed. Plant rhubarb and asparagus roots without delay. Cauliflower and red beet may be planted in warm situations. Set bulbs of shallots, garlic, potato and tree onions. SEEDS TO GROW.—Early tomatoes for glasshouse use may be sown in boxes in frames. Artichokes may be planted in odd corners where they may remain for years. In the warmest part of the garden shorthorn carrots may be sown and white stone turnips. Broad beans may be planted in every ga.rden in drills. When the plants are about eighteen inches high, nip the tops out and cook the same as spinach. FRUIT TREES.—PIant at once all varieties of fruit trees. Procure expert advice about the varieties that do best in your district. For general guidance the following are good: Apples, Delicious and Gravenstein; peaches, J. H. Hale and Golden Queen; plums, Burbank and Satsuma; nectarine, Goldmine; lemons, Lisbon and Eureka; oranges, Poorman and Washington Navel. DWARF FRUITS.—In the kitchen garden many dwarf fruits may be grown. A row of guavas along the path are always ornamental and are fine for making jelly. Loganberries are useful for covering up that back fence. Currants and gooseberries do moderately well if properly looked after and pruned back. All the above varieties are plantable now and no time should be lost. WINTER HINTS Clumps of herbaceous plants should not be split apart with a spade. If the outside pieces cannot be removed with the hands, use two forks, back to back, and force them outwards.

Novices are apt to under-estimate the damage caused to plants, shrubs and trees in allowing their roots to become dry by prolonged exposure to the air whilst planting. Holes to receive the roots should always be dug before the plants are lifted. Where labels must be used in the garden it is always best to use them large where they have to be inserted in the soil, as small ones are easily broken and lost. If purchased unpainted, use creosote on the part that will be buried. Greenhouse ferns naturally require much less water during winter, but on no acocunt should they be dried off.