THE FLOWER GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 21974, 9 March 1935, Page 3

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Most of the annuals are over and many are preparing their beds and borders for the autumn planting. Those who are planting bulbs (daffodils and tulips) should first of all examine all the tubers to see that none contain signs of eel worm or other bulb diseases. If obtaining from any outside sources buy from registered growers whose stock must bo clean from any disease before it can be placed on the market. All beds and borders should 1 be prepared by digging well and working in plenty of wood or refuse ash in the ground. No animal manure should be used, but if the soil needs a stimulant work in blood and bone, also plenty of lime (shell). The bulbs should be planted twice to three times their depth, and from din to 6in apart, according to their size. Those who have a small greenhouse should certainly force a few of these delightful spring flowers. Daffodils are very cheap ami grown in this way make a lovely show in the glasshouse many weeks before-the outside bulbs bloom. Box up now or pot into Gin breeze hots, placing from eight to ten bulbs in a pot, and stand the pots outside until May. Then put the pots on the bench in a greenhouse and give plenty of moisture. The grower would have a lovely display by July, just when the flowers are very scarce. They would come in also for room decoration, and could be carried over, for several weeks. Daffodils are very easy to force, ami when the flowering period is over the bulbs can be planted out into the garden for another season. Freesias also, if potted at once, placing from six to eight bulbs into a sin breeze pot, and treating as advised for daffodils will give great pleasure. I mention breeze pots for the reason that

these pots will prove to be ideal for bulb growing, as they are very porous. I prefer growing bulbs in soil in pots and pans in preference to fibre, as the bulbs are not much use after growing in fibre for planting out. The following can be planted from now onHyacinths, lachcnalias (in ground or hanging baskets). Spanish iris, ixias, anemones and ranunculus (sunny position), crocus (in variety), babianas, muscari (or grape hyacinth), tritonia (in variety), tulips (early varieties only), and freesias. Wallflowers, stock, poppies (Iceland), swectwilliam, etc., if ready, should he planted out in their flowering quarters. All these plants enjoy a rich soil and plenty of moisture when transplanting. Monthretias just now are flowering very freely, and seem to enjoy the drought. These interesting plants are very useful for decorative work after the summer flowering plants arc over. The spikes are long and the tints, ranging from gold to crimson, are most valuable for cutting purposes, lasting when cut a considerable time in water. The new varieties are a great advancement in size and colour on the old varieties. The following arc the pick :—His Majesty (immense flowers, very broad-petal led, velvety scarlet shaded down to scarlet), .Tames Coey (yellow, with crimson blotches), Joan of Arc (deep gold, crimson markings), Aurora (orange yellow), Nimbus (copper and gold), Queen of Spain (orange and apricot), and Queen Mary (deep citron). Alt the above arc hardy and when grown will become very popular. Some of these flowers measure from 3in to 4in in diameter. —F.S.P.