DAINTY THALICITRUM

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 154, 15 June 1935, Page 15

DAINTY THALICITRUM

This lovely decorative Chinese plant has occasioned pleasure to many, and, alas, disappointment to not a few, for when and where it does well it is a most beautiful subje t. but to many it presents difficulties. It is with the hope that these few notes will be of assistance to those who have so far not succeeded in establishing this plant that they are penned. It is, however, possible to learn the cause of its success and in some measure to give it similar treatment and conditions. The position should be full sun with no overhanging trees; even partial shade from shrubs and other plants is best avoided. It delights in a very rich soil, which should be well worked during the autumn with plenty of good farmyard manure, chalk Or lime, and old mortar rubble should be incorporated. To do it well a certain amount of lime or chalk is essential. Drainage is an important item, and in cold, heavy soils it is imperative that special attention should be paid to this. Although sharp drainage is necessary the fact should not be overlooked that the roots like a cool, moist run and during hot, dry periods an occasional soaking w ill be found beneficial.

Planting should be carried out toward the end of October and during the early part of November. However favourable the conditions of the soil may be, autumn planting should never be adhered to. Prejare the selected site during the autumn, but defer planting until spring. This is most important.. These suggestions are not impossible, and although they may mean a certain amount of labour and thought, one is well repaid, for the plant will then give you the long spikes of purnish-lavender flowers whose dainty spreading panicies are even more decorative than the wellknown gypsophila, and certainly less common. Practically all gardeners, professional and amateur, grow successfully -the edible asparagus. Thalictrum diptorocarpum is no more difficult; in fact, those who can grow asparagus will certainly succeed with thalictrum, for its cultivation is very similar. Herbaceous Border. —A herbaceous is one filled ...ainly with plants which produce new growth and flowers annually from a perennial root stock. Heel-in.—This means putting plants in the soil temporarily until they can be permanently planted. They are usually put close together in a shallow trench, the roots being covered with soil.