WINTER FLOWEES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 18

WINTER FLOWEES

SOME USEFUL VARIETIES

From this time rnwards throughout the winter there is a general scarcity of blooms. Autumn-flowering plants such as dahlias an*d chrysanthemums are almost over while winter-flowering shrubs are somewhat scarce. Bonvaidias are amongst the most useful of dwarf-rloweving autumn and early winter-flowering perennials where not too exposed to cold winds and frosts. Abutiloons arc most useful winterflowering shrubs. They are hardy, and when planted among other shrubs in partially-sheltered positions give an abundance of flowers through several months. They should be much more generally planted. i Among the hardy winter-flowering annuals mignonette is of special value both for. garden decoration and cutting,,

especially the varieties, that produce spikes of the largest flowers. Calendulas, the greatly-improved single and double-flowered kinds, have brought this rather despised and oldfashioned flower into prominence and high popularity owing to their hardiness, rich colour, and free blooming quantities. The vastly improved varieties of Iceland poppies comprise many lovely coloura including the most delicate art shades. Early bedded out seedlings are now flowering. These poppies are a valuable addition to winter and spring flowers, and useful for table and other floral decorations. They are of very easy cultivation, thriving in almost any soil, and freely seo^'ig themselves. A large double-flowered ,scabious>- in many beautiful colours, is'undoubtedly a most attractive and !.easily-grbwn hardy biennial, but it is best treated as an annual. The large blooms are carried on-long stems, and are particularly suitable for vases and table decorations. Now is a suitable time to plant seedlings for succession. Shasta daisies are also good winter flowers. Gaillardias are indispensable for winter flowering. The gorgeous colours make the largo flowers of the- perennial vari,ties particularly attractive for garden decoration and. as cut flowers. Gaillardias thrivo best in light, welldrained soil, doing particularly well in sand where they can get their roots well down. ■ Linaria is another useful winterflowering annual. It is quite hardy and once established will produce selfsown seedlings in quantity. It is very free flowering, and has many different colours. The flowers'keep well when cut.