THE PANSY

Evening Star, Issue 22619, 10 April 1937, Page 24

THE PANSY

A hundred years ago the pansy was one of the most favoured flowers in the garden; to-day, it is not to be wondered at that tnis quaint and charming flower is more popular than ever, for the perfection of colouring and the graceful formation of the pansy of ■ today bears little resemblance to its short-stemmed forbears.

Sow tho seed thinly in boxes of light soil, keep moist, and stand the boxes in a cool, shady spot until the plants are ready to handle. Pick them out into boxes, planting them two or three inches apart. The permanent beds should be situated where the plants may have shade from the hot afternoon sun when in flower, and should be well away from large trees and shrubs. The soil should be rich and light, and rank ynanures should be avoided. ; For best results mix decayed cow manure well into the soil a few weeks before planting out. ■ In wet weather slugs prove trouble--some, and are most destructive to the young plants. Lime sprinkled occasionally round the plants will help to check them, although the surest way is to seek them out after dark with the help of a lantern. In the spring keep them _ well watered, and apply a weak liquid of cow manure and soot as soon as the buds appear. Remove regularly all spent blooms, and prick the soil gently between the rows. For borders or bedding out, pansies are unsurpassed, and the newer varieties, with their vivid colourings and long, strong stems are most desirable blooms for all kinds of floral artistry.—‘ Wanganui Herald.’