WINTER FLOWERING

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 112, 13 May 1937, Page 28

WINTER FLOWERING

SOME USEFUL PLANTS

Except where heavy frosts are experienced, most gardens round Wellington need never., be .quite devoid of flowers. Autumn-flowering plants such as dahlias and chrysanthemums- practically finish flowering by the end of this month and from then on till the spring flowers start there is often I' a shortage of blooms. Abutilons are,most useful .w.interCowering shrubs. They are , vfairly hardy and when planted among other shrubs in partially sheltered positions give ,an abundance of flowers through several months. There is a wide range of colours to be had'from white, yellow, brick red, and orange, as well as pink. . Among the hardy winter-flowering annuals mignonette is of special value both for garden and cutting, especially varieties' which produce large spikes of flowers. ' Calendulas, the much-improved single and'double varieties, have brought this rather despised and old-fashioned flower into prominence and high popularity, owing to its hardiness, rich colour, and free-blooming qualities. Calendulas can be relied upon to flower at all seasons.

The vastly-improved varieties oi' Iceland poppies comprise many lovely colours, including the most delicate art shades as well as rich orange. / These poppies are a valuable addition to winter-and spring flowers, and -most useful for table and other floral decora-! tions. They are of very easy culture, thriving in almost any soil and freely seeding themselves. Gaillardias are indispensable for winter flowering. The gorgeous colours make the large flowers of the perennial varieties particularly attractive for' garden decoration and as cut flowers. The plants thrive best ,in light, well-drained soil, doing particularly well in sand,'where they can get their roots well down. "

Linaria (toadflax) is another useful winter-flowering annual. It is quite hardy and when once established 'will produce self-sown seedlings in 'quantity. It is very free flowering and has many different colours. The flowers keep well when cut. French and African marigolds make a brave show till cut by frosts, but if grown in partial shade where they have the shelter of overhanging branches they will go on .flowering practically throughout, the winter. The tree varieties are Very- apt to get broken and are; difficult tq support. .Branches which..are partly broken from the main stem'take root and do quite'well. It is a good plan to plant where they can sprawl over the ground.