GARDENS IN TUBS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 71, 17 December 1937, Page 20

GARDENS IN TUBS

An Interesting HobbyEven a person without a garden can have a beautiful tub of flowers all through the summer, while every real garden will be all the prettier if a few tubs adorn the lawn or odd corners. Has it ever occurred to you that a few tubs spaced at equal distances in the mixed border will “lift” the whole thing in a way that .is unique and give a very charming effect? Such tubs should be 3ft. across and raised 3ft. from the ground on strong legs. Other tubs are specially useful ou the top of garden steps, along verandas, in dark and damp corners where soil is poor, in door porches and in any spot whSre a. little life and colour are required to brighten things. The main point about the preparation of these tubs is to provide several holes in the bottom for drainage. Most barrels are better if charred on the inside. This is done by placing ailittle straw in the barrel and setting it alight, allowing it to burn just long enough to char the sides. Always paint tubs well before planting in them. Filling- the tub correctly is part of the secret in getting stuff to grow well. Drainage is best served by large crocks or broken bricks and the crocks must be covered with some rough fibrous material such ,as peat, fibre from loam, moss or dead bracken roots. The soil must be on the rough side, which still further helps drainage. Too fine a soil “cakes” and then cracks if the weather is hot. Besides being rough the compost must be good, because a lot of plants will have to exist on the stored goodness of the soil. A good compost is four parts good, heavy loam, one part leaZ-mould and one part thoroughly-rotted manure. Fill the tub the day before planting and press with the fingers, especially near the bottom. Have this soil in such a condition that watering will not be necessary till the whole tub is planted. Then water very thoroughly, and from that moment try to prevent the soil ever becoming- dry again. .Should it ever get extra dry, water twice or even three times to ensure a good soaking. Give the soil a dressing of artificial manure once a month, watering it in immediately.