THE GARDEN AT HOME 



at the rate of a barrow load to the square yard, there is 

 nothing better ; but basic slag, to give it the least praise 

 that is its due, is a most admirable substitute. It may 

 be used in addition to the manure. Basic slag contains 

 a good deal of lime, and is an especially valuable fertiliser 

 for old gardens that have been heavily manured for some 

 years. 



Here is a simple direction for the digging and manuring 

 of a rose border. " Commence by marking out one yard 

 in width across the border, dig out the top spadeful all 

 along this section, and wheel it away to the end of the 

 border. Then shovel out the * crumbs,' and wheel 

 them also to the end. This completes the top spit. 

 With a fork break up the next layer of soil. On this 

 layer put a good dressing (2 inches or 3 inches in 

 thickness) of well rotted manure, and fork it in with 

 the broken-up soil. Scatter also some basic slag, about 

 8 ounces to the square yard. Then mark out another 

 yard width and proceed to dig the top spit, and throw 

 this into the trench in front. Shovel up the ' crumbs/ 

 throw them on the other soil, and the first yard width of 

 border is level again and complete. Each trench of one 

 yard in width is treated in the same manner until the 

 border is finished." 



The first week in November is the ideal time to plant, 

 and the longer planting is delayed after that period the 

 smaller are the chances of success the following summer. 

 But roses may be planted throughout the winter, in mild 



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