FLOWER SECRETS

Auckland Star, Issue 17, 21 January 1932, Page 12

FLOWER SECRETS

On the majority of vair.nt allotments ill the suburbs at the j.rjsent time even tile most lax of obser\ers will see many red-brown spiKes of tliat bulbous plant "Watsonia" that is looked upon deservedly as a weed, which once in possession is very hard to cast out. In its blooming state the leaves, shaped like sword-bladei, arc juicy and bright green, nnd the jiower, which is scarlet, is like an infarioT gladiolus. Even though the husband may frown upon this weed, the housewife can, while the plant is in. its seeding stage (which is now), justify its existence for a short while by using it for decoration. I'laeed in a- brown earthenware jar or a tail brass stand, these red-brown seeds 011 their tapering stems produce a distinctly artistic effect, especially if a plain toning background is selected. Their warm colour is beautiful and in their very stiffness lies an effcct that is typical of some delightful Japanese arrangements. Orchid's at a shilling eacli have certainly an attraction that is compelling, but it takes an artistic eye to see into the heart of the common flowers that are within the power of the poorest pocket. Take thv nasturtium, for instance. Surely here is a wealth of colour worth scrambling :wer rubbish, heaps for," and how gay they make a dark corner in a room when set about in low bowls, and how bright is their welcome when placed in a window, and how sweet is their smell. Periwinkles, or bluebells, as the children jail them, also have a charm. Mi:fed with white daisies and arranged in a simple little ginger jar they produce a fresh cottage atmosphere that can fill i>ne with delight. Shiny little buttersups in dull black bowls make a pretty effect, and masses of the starry petals 3f tile native manuku, thrust into a ivide-mouthed howl, bring the charm of 1 New Zealand landscape indoors. When lowers are definitely scarce, leaves can be used in their stead. All the year "ound the matipo, or red birch, can easily be got and the pale green leaves, spotted md (lined with red, make pretty decoraLions. In autumn, long trailers of red, brown and gold blackberry leaves can be arranged so that a very beautiful iffect is obtained. These colourful leaves iiave a lasting power that apart from their gaiety makes their arrangement ivortli their while. However, if the more conventional garden flowers are Dbtainable and preferred, the question somes ho v to help them to live longer lives. If the stalks of roses are hammered gently with a tack hammer, they will last much longer. Burning the stalks of flowers is usual now, bift life may be prolonged if every few days the water in the vases is changed, and if, before re-arranging, the stalks are carefully wiped: Another hint worth knowing is that an inch of alum in the water | lias a wonderful preserving effect and I lias a tendency to stop petals from falling. '