THE FLOWER GARDEN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 233, 14 September 1934, Page 10

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Spring again unlocks another season and Dame Nature is busy producing new growth in every- direction. Trees and shrubs are blossoming, countless weeds are making their appearance and the gardener's hands arc full with odd jobs that have been neglected through the colder months. Nearly every variety of seed imaginable may be set this month. The following should be sown in boxes and lightly covered with sandy soil. A sheet of glass over the box will keep the moisture in and help germination. Sow now: Asters, cosmos, petunia, koehia, stocks, delphinium, salvia, zinnia, eelosia, porfulacca, gaillurdia, antirrhinum, penstemon, larkspur. For sowing in open borders or beds many varieties may be used. Gardeners must first study the weather, and if climatic conditions are not favourable a week’s delay will not matter. Sow if ready: Linnria, elarkia. godetia, phlox, Franch and African marigold, mignonette, Virginian stock, alyssum, and dwarf nasturtium.

Late plaintings of some varieties of trees may still be carried out. Species that like the warm weather and are pot grown such as Peppers, Flowering Gums, Acacias, Hibiscus, Lasiandra, etc., are not affected by late shiftings so long as they receive enough water until properly established. Slugs and snails are ow taking vigorous toll of many choice annuals. A good dusting of lime or tobacco dust will prove very effective. Sprinkle freely among the rockeries and along the hedges. Woodlice are breeding in countless numbers and may be checked by mixing loz. paris green with 41b. bran and sprinkling about their nests.