WORK IN THE GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 25673, 22 December 1945, Page 7

WORK IN THE GARDEN

GERANIUMS FOR BEDDING PURPOSES. For massing in beds and borders for summer work there are very few plants that can compare with geraniums for their free growth' and delightful colourings, though they are not used very extensively in this district. Anyone who has a cold glasshouse or frame can very soon work up a stock by taking off the cuttings at the end of the summer and rooting them up either in boxes or in pots, and wintering them under glass, keeping a dry and cool atmosphere until there are signs of growth. They should be then potted into 3in pots into a mixture of loam, leaf mould, and breeze, or coarse sand. The plants should be left as near the glass as possible, but protected from the frost. When wellvestablished and the climatic conditions are suitable, 'the plants can be placed outside in a sheltered position, or if in frames the lights can be removed altogether, and when hardened off the plants can be planted out into their summer quarters. It is not advisable to transplant geraniums direct from boxes. They should be grown in 3in pots, as the plants do not receive a check as when transplanted from boxes, and especially in these districts, where the seasons are short. The plants must be well grown to be a success. In the south of England thousands of geraniums are frown yearly, not only m the parks, ut extensively in private gardens. - (Many nurserymen specialise in cultiva. tioh of geraniums only for the trade, and the following varieties are grown: —Vesuvius (scarlet), Flower of Spring (variegated foliage), West Brighton Gem (scarlet), Marsahl McMahon (bronze foliage), Lady Salisbury {varigated foliage), Mrs Pollock (tri.. colour), and Mrs Cox (tricolour). The tricolour and the variegated foliage are not allowed to flower, and the effect is beautiful. It is not possible to obtain these varieties here, but.we have several varieties which are most effective for bedding purposes, such as Paul Crampel (strong grower, scarlet flowers), Soldier's Tunic (single and double, deep scarlet), Rev. Atkins (crimson), and a few other varieties which are well worth cultivating, as they carry over a long period, often right into the winter months. For glasshouse and house decoration the zonal geraniums are well worth growing in pots, especially the double and semi-doubles. A few pots of double Soldier's Tunic (scarlet) should be grown for cutting purposes, as the I flowers last for a considerable time in water and the. colouring is very pleas- | ing, especially throughout the winter months. At present the zonal pelargoniums are very bright. These plants are not cultivated as they should be.' Perhaps the reason is that they are subject to green aphis. I am afraid the reason for this trouble is that the plants are not allowed enough air, but are often kept in a close atmosphere. Green aphis can be easily kept under on these and other plants subject to this pest if plenty of ventilation is given and if they are sprayed occasionally with Black Leaf 40. A collection of these freeflowering plants will give* a great display in a cold glasshouse for weeks on end. The cultivation is easy, as cuttings can be taken after the plants have finished"blooming, and the plants have been stood outside tfor a few weeks. The young wood will be ripened and will root up quickly in a. compost of loam, leaf-mould, and sand or breeze, or well-prepared compost. Soft-wood plants such as fuchsias, carnations, etc., which have rooted up should be potted into 3in and 4in pots and then stood as near the glass as possible. When the carnations are well rooted, the pots should be placed outside either'in a frame with the lights off, or in a position which is sheltered from the prevailing winds. If breeze is available, this should be used as a bed for the plants to stand on. It is also essential to take the tip of the leaders out when they become about 6in to Bin in height. This will enable the plants to break at the base, and build up a well-balanced plant. Watch for green aphis. This can be destroyed by spraying with Black Leaf 40. THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. All the varieties of these plants should by now have been potted into their blooming pots. Where plants, have not made the necessary growth owing to the climatic conditions and also in 6ome cases to the small plants supplied, it is better to wait and then pot them into the smaller-sized pots that are generally used for this work. It will be wise to spray your plants with Bordeaux Mixture at least once a fortnight to keep under the rust which generally appears about the end of December or the beginning of January. Owing to the climatic conditions not much water has been required. It is better to allow your plants to remain on the dry side than allow them to become wet and sodden. Remove all growths not required on the large Japanese and stop the leaders of the decoratives by taking out the tips. I wish all my readers the compliments of the season; and may 1946 bring great pleasure and success in your gardens. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. " Potato " (St. Kilda).—l would advise that you commence to spray your potatoes from now on with Bordeaux Mixture, four in 40 of water, once a fortnight. If your variety is an early one there is no need to spray, but if second early or main crop, it is essential to commence at once. F.S.P.