GARDEN NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 208, 2 September 1944, Page 2

GARDEN NOTES

(By “Ngaio.”) One of the best of the dwarf annuals for edging purposes or for groups in the front of the border is ageratum in dwarf varieties. The plants are very compact growers and are covered with soft mauveblue blossom over a long period; they work into any colour scheme and combine well with any pink bowers. Alyssum is a very old fashioned plant, but comes to us in a newer guise in a mauve variety called Lilac Queen. Both this one and the familiar white make a dense carpet of bloom.which lasts all the summer, and very few weeds can make their way through it. Growing only a few Inches in height, alyssum must be used only in suitable situations, but it is worth including because of the honey sweetness of its scent when the sun is on it. Brachycome or Swan River daisy is a dainty annual with a very long blooming habit. It comes from Australia and therefore flourishes In a hot dry situation and does well in a rockery pocket. The flowers are several shades of blue, also white, and are about the size of a shilling. Seed can be sown where it is to bloom as soon as the ground and the weather are really warm. It grows to almost 18 inches in height. Various varieties of our old friend the calendula will brighten up dull corners Of the garden—provided yellow Is the colour you ought to have In these places. The shaggy types such as chrysanit*a (also called golden delight) and orange sunshine are a great improvement on the old stiffer ones. Asters are a little difficult In the general garden scheme as they are in bloom for two or three weeks only and then leave gaps which it is too late to fill with anything else. A separate bed for them is probably the best solution. Give them a sheltered position as they object very strongly to wind, and they will thrive well if in a position which is semi-shaded from midsummer sun. Usually the best results are obtained by sowing the seed broadcast where they are to bloom. The ground must be well worked up beforehand and kept clear of weeds. As asters are subject to a wilt disease, it Is inadvisable to keep on planting them in the same bed season after season. Candytuft which was sown in the autumn should be growing well by now, but if you missed putting it in then, you can sow it now and when it is past its best there will.still be time to fill up with something else. and godetia are lovely annuals but must be grown in a very sheltered spot to be seen at their best Dianthus can be made to last for two seasons if they are not allowed to go to seed and are cut well back after flowering. Both the single and double varieties are to be had In a great variety of colours and look well massed in bold groups. Annual gypsophila can be sown broadcast among perennials such as delphinium and phlox and will have a very lightening effect In the borders.