THE GARDEN WEEK BY WEEK 



Dec. Coal-ashes may be dug into stiff land in order to help 

 ^~^5 to break it up, but not where Potatoes and Carrots are 

 to be grown. Mortar rubbish from an old building, 

 burnt garden refuse, and road sweepings are also useful. 

 Lime may be used at the rate of two pounds per square 

 yard if the soil is very rich ; such an application will 

 be better than more manure. Gas lime should never 

 be used except on a fallow. It should be left a month on 

 the surface of the soil, and another month should elapse 

 before cropping the ground. Under these conditions, 

 a pound per square yard may be used, and it will help 

 to reduce wireworms and other ground pests. Soot 

 at the rate of a pound per square yard is a good 

 fertiliser. 



Dec. DECEMBER— Third and Fourth Weeks 



16-31 



Flowers 



Most of the work indicated for the first half of the 

 month will be appropriate. Bulbs may be brought on. 

 Lilies of the Valley may be forced. Roses, climbers 

 generally, trees, and shrubs may be planted. There will 

 be a supply of Violets from the frame beds, probably, 

 and a little fertiliser may be sprinkled between the rows. 

 Roses in pots may be put into a cool house to start them 

 gently into growth. 



Azaleas. — The pretty Indian Azaleas are very useful 

 for winter bloom in the greenhouse or conservatory. 

 The colours are bright, and the flowers last well. 

 Nurserymen prepare them for winter-blooming, gene- 

 rally as low standards, so that they can be arranged 

 effectively among other plants, and sell them well set 

 with buds. The plants do not cost much, and a few 

 might well be bought. The following are beautiful 

 400 



