IRISH GARDENING. 



75 



Where birds are troublesome it is best to defer 

 the pruning of Gooseberries until later. 



When Raspberries and Loganberries have all 

 been tied up, mulch between the rows with half- 

 rotten manure. Strawberries should be treated 

 in the same way. Frequently look over Apples 

 and Pears in the fruit room and remove any 

 that are showing signs of decay. 



The Flower Garden. 

 IJerbaceovis borders can now be renovated. 

 If the borders are infested with bad weeds, or the 

 plants are getting overcrowded, it is best to lift 

 all the plants clean out and stand them closely 

 together in any convenient place, then thoroughly 

 clean the border, afterwards digging in some good 

 manure. The plants can then be cleaned and 

 divided up into suitable pieces, using the oviter 

 portion of the clumps for replanting. 



Roses. — Early planting is one of the nieans 

 to successful Rose growing. They love a rich 

 soil, and the ground sbovdd be prepared for them 

 accordingly. Before planting cut back with a 

 sharp knife all thick and fleshy roots, or any 

 root that may have been damaged in lifting. 

 Spread out all fibrous roots and work some of 

 the fine soil between them. 



Midland and Northern Counties. 



By Edward Rutherford, Gardener to Lord 

 Farnham, Farnliam House, Cavan. 



The Ilower Garden. 



Michaelmas Daisies. — There are few plants 

 to et^ual the IMichaelmas Daisies for late flowering, 

 but they are often spoilt by allowing them to 

 grow undisturbed for a number of years. They 

 should be dug up and replanted every year, 

 selecting only small pieces for re-setting, as each 

 piece will make a good specimen. Many of the 

 old vai'ieties are useless compared with the 

 newer vaiieties. 



Violets. — Let the lights be drawn off the 

 frames in wliich Violets are planted whenever the 

 weather is favourable. Do not allow the roots 

 to suffer for want of moisture. Watering should 

 be done on fine mornings in order to allow the 

 foliage to dry before evening. Remove decaying 

 foliage constantly and stir a little soot among the 

 soil to ward off slugs. 



Dahlias. — Lift the roots of Dahlias for storing 

 with care, as the tubers are easilv broken. Label 



each variety securely and place the roots in some 

 airy shed or other convenient place to dry before 

 storing them in a cool, dry shed where frost 

 cannot reach them. 



Roses. — Are best when planted in November ; 

 but if the soil is very heavy, and wet weather set 

 in, the work should be delayed until the spring. 

 Good drainage and deep cultivation is essential 

 for successful Rose growing. Rose beds that 

 have been manured year after year should receive 

 a dressing of lime or Basic Slag. 



The Hardy Pruit Garden. 



Pruning. — This is an important work, and 

 should be performed carefully, for the knife in 

 the hand of the inexperienced has ruined many 

 a good tree. The aim of the pruner should be 

 to maintain a shapely bush or tree. It is impor- 

 tant that light and air gain admittance among 

 the branches, or otherwise the wood in the centre 

 of the trees will be in danger of being only half- 

 ripened. The pruner should be acquainted with 

 the habit of fruiting of the different varieties. 

 Most kinds bear the fruit on spurs, but several 

 varieties develop fruit on well-ripened shoots 

 made the previous year, and a knowledge of the 

 varieties is required before the work can be 

 properly performed. Pruning should be carried 

 on while the weather remains mild. 



The Iruit Room.— Examine the stocks of 

 Apples and I'ears in the fruit room, and remove 

 all fruits which sho^^■ signs of decay, for the decay 

 spreads to other fruits and the moisture gi\en 

 off causes a musty smell. Where the fruit is 

 stored in more than one layer, extra care will 

 be needed in examining them, so as not to bruise 

 the fruits. 



Li<,>uiD INlANURE.— Where there are liquid 

 manure tanks now is a good time to empty them 

 and apply the contents to wall trees that have 

 borne a good crop. The surface soil should be 

 first loosened lightly with a fork to allow the 

 liquid to reach the roots. The manure water 

 must not be supplied at too great a strength. 



Late Turnips.— Turnips which are of a 

 sufficient size for use may be lifted and placed 

 under cover for the winter. Under-sized Turnips 

 may be left in the ground for some time yet. 



Box Edgings.— The planting of box edgings 

 may be carried out any time during the winter 

 months when the weather is favourable. Some 

 of the most successful box edgings are raised 

 from cuttings. Gaps in box edgings may also 

 be filled up in the sanie manner. 



