THE BORDER QUEEN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 152, 12 June 1936, Page 11

THE BORDER QUEEN

The popularity enjoyed by the carnation dates back many centuries, and the fact that it was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans proves it to be a very old plant. Pliny places its earliest habitat 'n Spain, where he states it was found in the days of Augustus Caesar. It is difficult to say when the plant first appeared in Britain. Wo are given t, understand that the original flower Was flesh coloured, ami according to Gerarde, yellow varietres were not introduced until 1580. There are scores of excellent and absorbing legends woven round the history ol this popular garden favourite which has endeared itself to horticulturists the world over. Its attractive form, diversity of colouring and delicious perfume, are obviously the explanating of its far-flung poularity. DEVELOPMENT' During modern years there lias been phenomenal development among carnations, ami on the show benches as well as displayed in the plautsmen’s windows wo observe the painstaking results aebived by Hie hybridizers. Various classes or types have been developed, each with its own distinctive peculiarities, and,a wonderful array of exquisite tintings. Carnations aro ideal garden tenants, and attractive subjects for beds and borders. Although oft-times raised from seed tbo flowers seldom possess any marked quality, but make useful garden material. The Mar Marguerite types are particularly useiul in this direction. The best method of “propagating” good named varieties is to “tongue” the young shoots during the summer. This operation simply consists of making a longitudinal slit, about an inch in length, along the stem with a sharp knife, and gently drawing it open and slipping in a small pebble to keep tho aurlaces apart. Roots will speedily form, and the shoot, now a separate plant, may be severed from the parent. CULTIVATION May and June are the best months to plant out carnations tor early flowering. There is now a wonderful selection of named varieties for the amateur to choose from and no time should be lost in commencing work. Although it may be said that carnations adapt themselves to quite a varieties or soils, we are of the i pinion that a sweet, easily worked, sandy loam will prove the most satisfactory lor their most successful culture. The plants revel in a roomy, open situation, with maximum sunlight and air, and positively rebels at coddling and cramping. \\ here practicable give them a bed entirely to themselves. Tho lied decided upon should be thoroughly drained, and enriched with some well decomposed dairy manure worked into the soil at least twelve inches. Rank manures are to be avoided, and valuable plant foods simultaneously.