Annuals will make splash of colour

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33058, 27 October 1972, Page 6

Annuals will make splash of colour

One of the best and quickest ways to brighten the garden and provide a gay splash of colour is to plant or sow annuals or bedding plants. The selection in both seed and plant lines has never been wider. The reason behind this is the attention being paid to the development of plants which not only have bigger flowers, brighter and more varied colours, and variations in flower form, but also differences in size and habit of growth. Generally, the bulk of annuals are sown or planted in spring, but the summer and autumn periods also provide an opportunity of establishing plantings which will give winter and spring displays. Flowering usually commences within a few weeks of planting and the same plants will, in some cases, continue to flower for up to three months without a break.

Annuals provide an opportunity of adding colours and filling in gaps between permanent plantings. A good bedding scheme requires some knowledge of the

plants to grade them for size, colour, effect and position.

To be really effective it pays to make some sort of a plan first and then try to obtain the types of flowers and colours that fit into it. This, at least, is one way to go about it. Without a doubt the formulation of ideas beforehand makes the task easier and more satisfactory in the long run.

Although annuals are deemed short-term plants in that they may not occupy the ground for more than, say, six months before they are pulled out, they nevertheless should be given some care, and they will certainly respond to it. Good soil is generally desirable and this should have been well worked and weeded before planting or sowing. Fertiliser may not be considered worth while but again a small handful of a balanced mixture (5.10.5) to the square foot will assist in better all-round development.

/ Water is essential to successful culture of annuals for, with few exceptions they

are very shallow-rooted compared with bulbs, perennials and shrubs. As a result the effects of insufficient moisture are soon apparent. Heavy dousing and frequent light sprinklings are of little benefit. The best way is slow application over a sufficiently long period for water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6in to Bin and for this purpose the soak hose is ideal.

Positioning of plants in sun or shade is important. Some species thrive under average conditions but others do best only in full sun or in considerable shade. Portulaca, for instance, gives a summer long carpet of colour under the hottest sun that would damage many other flowers. On the other hand, coleus and impatiens will thrive in shaded locations which would cause most annuals to become drawn and virtually flowerless.

Improved growth and flowering will also result from some pruning and training given during the season. Compact dwarf annuals take care of themselves quite well, but most others will benefit from some fostering. In the case of tall growers, such as antirrhinums, pinching out the growing tips will help to produce sturdier plants. Climbers After plants have flowered for a reasonable period the longer stems — even of the spreading types—may be cut back quite severely. At the same time faded blooms should be removed. Natural climbing annuals such as Mina lobata, and the Ipomeas (moonflower, morning glory) should be provided with support before they begin to throw out climbing tendrils. If this is left until later, it becomes difficult to train them as desired. There are very many kinds and varieties of annuals to choose from, many of which may be quite unfamiliar to you. As a consequence many ideal lesser known plants are neglected. The best way to become more conversant with what is available is to consult books and catalogues, particularly those which are well illustrated. The latter can convey in a glance what an encyclopaedia of words can sometimes fail to do.