WINTER-FLOWERING PLANTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 109, 11 May 1939, Page 21

WINTER-FLOWERING PLANTS

There is_a general shortage of flo^yers ; lar orange tonings. Seedlings which1 during the winter months. After were bedded out early are already dahlias arid asters'have stopped flower-' flowering, and with a minimum of at- . . , ~ . tention will continue to bloom throughing it is not long before the.chrysan- out the wiriter in the more sheltered, themums are over, although by plant- localities. These poppies are a valuing some of the late flowering var.ie- able addition to winter and spring ties, blooms may be had as late as flowers, being speciajly useful for July. Among the hardy winter-flower- table and other decorations. They are ing annuals mignonette is of special very easy to manage, and once estabvalue both for garden and indoors, lished in a garden will- seed them- j Although inconspicuous and lacking in selves quite freely, brilliant colouring, the delightful scent Gaillardias are indispensable for winmakes it ever welcome. ter flowering, the bright orange and Calendulas. —These old-fashioned and red blooms being particularly strikrather despised flowers have again ing when flowers are scarce. These' come into prominence and high popu- plants thrive best in light, welllarity with the advent of the greatly im- drained soil, doing particularly well in proved strains both of single and sand, where they can get their roots double varieties. They are hardy well down. enough to stand any frosts likely to Linaria is another useful winterbe experienced around Wellington, may flowering annual. It is quite hardy, be had in a wide range of rich colours, and once established will produce selfand are very free flowering. sown seedlings in quantity. It is very The greatly-improved varieties of free-flowering, and has many differIceland poppies comprise many lovely ent colours. The light, feathery sprayscolours, including the most-delicate are delightful for cutting,, and last pastel shades, besides the ever-popu- well in water.