IN THE GARDEN

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 144, 14 March 1931, Page 24

IN THE GARDEN

Clove-scented Carnations

<By

“Kowhai”)

The new strain of clove-scented earnations is a sheer delight. The plants are stocky and many-branched, and do not need staking, even in exposed They are splendid for edgings and are seen to advantage when grown in a long r °The flowers are. borne bn stiff stems about a foot in length, and are large and double* .with fringed petals. The colours of the flowers cover a wide range, for be sides pure white and lemon yellow, there are pinks in every shade from shell-pink to rose, and reds from scarlet'to deep dark Crl One° of the parents of this strain is the old clove, and from it has been intensely strong perfume. This, in con unction with good form and good colour tn the flowers is making the new elovescented carnation very ’ n.°P ul “; a VPrv « flowers for cutting are looked after, well into the winter, a twWATfeyisnhSS ber.

’7&;n 10 5 "U"S set S ° Certainly Ml th“ colours of the sun-paeony-flowered ones, Charm j ™n|; U Ttiff stems, are’ideal for vases and b °Amonc them are wonderful colours, the “ B Bv S v t isiting d r'nursery one has a chance of seeing the plants actually as they will look in the garden, and the test suitable varieties can then be chosen. • Therfe is no doubt that we owe much to dahlias fur a wealth of rleh colour in our

autumn gardens, and it is well worth looking ahead, and securing what we want for this time next year. Aga.tiiae.-i Coelestls. Bushes of agathaca need rather hard clipping just now, especially where they have produced leggy growths. Loosen the soil about them and prick in a little blood and bone. It Is during winter and early spring that we appreciate the dainty bine daisylike flowers of Agathaea, and by attending to the bushes early we make sure of having them in bloom then. Weil-drained soil, and a sunny position are necessary. Cuttings of young tips about two inches in length, if planted firmly in sandy soil in a semi-shaded 1 place, root easily. Double Daisies. Double daisies, or, as the catalogues call them, Bellis Pcrennls, are absolutely charming in the spring garden, and they have this advantage, that they need not be planted in a favoured part of the garden. They grow happily in sun or in shade, and in heavy soil as long as it has been well dug. Before planting, work some well decayed garden rubbish, and, if possible,, some sand, into, heavy soil. The sand is not necessary, but the plants like it when they can get it. A dressing of lime •should be pricked in, too. , Large clumps should be lifted now and broken up into, pieces, and each piece will grow quickly into a goo.d flowering plant. The earlier this is done now the better, for plants begin flowering toward the end of winter. Plants are easily raised from seeds, too, and if they are sown now, the seedlings should begin flowering in the spring. Longfellow is a wall-known variety with dark rose flowers and long stems. .Snowball is.pure white. The giant double daisy. Montrosa, is very attractive. The huge flowers are very compact and double, and they are freely produced over a long season. The colours are. white, red, and rose. Another variety, Radiata, has loosely-placed petals which give it rather a fluffy look. The colour is Pl Double daisies make good cut flowers, for they last in water well, and are charming for shallow bowls. Lonflon Pride. Large plants of London Pride should be broken up now, and separated into single rosettes. This is one of the best known of the' saxifrages, and is always popular. It makes an attractive spring edging, and is splendid for growing in dry rock walls, where the long sprays of dainty pink flowers in spring give a particularly soft and misty effect. The best sprays arc from plants that are broken up eachi w>r. . Soil or aspect do not seem to t>°ther this hardy old favourite, and that it has been a favourite can be guessed by the quaint names bestowed upon it—Pretty Betsy, None So Pretty, and London How many gardeners even now know it as saxifrage umberosa? VEGETABLES In spite of several showers, the soil is verv dry, and the hose should be let running as much as possible. It is not much use to hose forcibly when watering, for then the water washes off, carrying with it the best soil—the top soil. A steady, gentle spray is what is needed. Early varieties of cabbages and cauliflowers should be planted out. the seedlings In. using a thick mixture of manure, soil, and water, and keep them well watered until they are established and growing well. plants become thoroughly dry at the roots at Where t ’nie’re is room, seeds of carrots and ot prickly spinach may be sown tor W Keep the soil between the rows well f °Tomatoes, celery and leek® need regular supplies of weak liquid manure.