THE FLOWER GARDEN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 79, 14 March 1936, Page 15

THE FLOWER GARDEN

In those gardens where a bright display of suitable subjects for winter and spring had not yet been thought of, it is necessary to prepare at once. Many choice flowers can be planted now by seedlings which will give quicker results and will be found more satisfactory than sowing seeds; that is to say where early displays are required. Pansies, violas, Icelaud poppies, stocks primula, malacoides, anemones, ranunculus, end Polyanthus, will all ensure a pleutiful supply of bloom iu winter and spring if planted now. Failure with Iceland poppies from seedlings can be eliminated if instead of planting straight out from the seedbed, they are potted up in four or live inch pots (three or four plants iu each). After 10 to 14 days iu the pots they will be sufficiently hardened off to plant out in the bed or border. Care however should bo taken to see that tho Lail of earth round the roots is uot disturbed. 2

Although most amateurs prefer to wait until early spring this is a good month to sow annuals such as clarkia, godetia, larkspur, shirley poppy, scabious, salpiglossis, dainthus, etc. The ground being still warm they will make good root growth and become quite hardy before winter seta in and will give early flowers for spring displays. During this month also mako largo planting of bulbs such as jonquils, daffodils, anemones, ranunculus, tulips, hyacinths, freesias, ixias, iris, lacheiinlia, etc. Trench the beds eighteen inch, es deep at least; break the earth fine and lay the surface even. Plant tho bulbs carefully with the roots downwards and press the earth gently round them. Cuttings may be taken this month of geraniums, hydrangeas, and penstemons while carnations and daphnes can bo layered. For those who contemplate planting roses, shrubs, and trees later on it is advisable to thoroughly prepare the ground by deep digging with an application of well-rotted manure to a depth of about two feet in the ground. Beds of early annuals flowers which have finished blooming should be dug over in preparation of further plantings. All tall-growing plants that require support should be staked as a pro tection from heavy wind and rain; this applies especially to chrysanthemums. Keep the surface of all beds free from weeds by frequent stirring of the soil. Trim hedges carefully to preserve an even outline. They will make fresh growth and look well through the winter.