CLIMBING ROSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18885, 6 December 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

CLIMBING ROSES.

POPULAR FLORAL FEATURE.

The many varieties belonging to tho climbing Polyantha and Wichariana sections are now the gayest ornaments and floral features of the day. Hedgerows, pergolas, arches, and house-fronts are bedecked with tho greatest profusion of these roses. American pillar may be described as ijhe most wonderful floral creation. Among these charming sub-

jects, not only for tho marvellous profusion of its charming flowers but also for its vigorous habit and rich glossy green foliage, Dorothy Perkins and its many ' sub-varieties, Mrs. F. W. Flight, Crimson Rambler, etc., are all a wealth of lovely , blossoms. Paul's scarlet climber, a hybrid f Wichariana, vivid scarlet shaded crimson, is a remarkable addition to the climbirg \ section. Its very richly coloured (lowers 5 are more remarkable as they keep their ' colour and do not fade which happens to ) most light-coloured roses. This rose should , be represented in every garden. IMPORTANCE OF MULCHING. ' Mulching by lightly stirring the surface ' soil throughout ' the various beds and J borders is a 'most essentia] and important i | operation that should be done at least. . every week, and twice or more where •eial waterings aro given. Heavy '' waterings invariably pioduce a surface 1 crust which | must be stirred before further waterings aro given, otherwise water runs off without penetrating, and does more harm than good. In addition to stirring the surfaco soil, mulchings of well , rcUed manure, spent hops, or short grass c.ppings may bo utilised. Where these are applied the surface stirring is not so necessary. Mulching around permanent • shrubs planted in the grass should bo done with grass clippings. PERMANENT TREES. J Planted on lawns and various other ! grass plots, permanent trees when in j their earlier istages of growth should have a circle around them, kept clean and > lightly forked. A few suitablo small I flowering plants may be planted around ; them, as thistgreatly enhances their appearj ance and enlivens tho prospect, In some | instances, a few scoria stones may be ar- | ranged around, and suitable rockery plants i put in. English Flag irises aro suitable for I this purpose, as they are not affected to ' any extent by dry soil conditions. Scari let geraniums are also suitablo and dwarf : nasturtiums.. I | GROWING ARUMS. | Arums, callyis, and Riehaidias, all belong ■ to the same natural older, and aro closely ! allied. They are all of easy culture. Richardia, athiopica, or Africana, " The j and common hero. "iebßrdia Elliottiana Lily of the Nile," so rare and highly prized in Britain;, has bee - '0 naturalised is a magnificent species, witu deep orange yellow (lowers and prettily marked leave.-,, and much esteemed for 'cut flower purposes, and a most attractive border plant, both for its foliage and flowers. There are several other'species, one with lemoncoloured flowers and bolder and more hand.omely marked leaves.. These bulbous ■plants ripen off their foliage in the autumn j and aro dormant throughout the wir>'«", ' when they may either be taken up or left iin the soil. When taken up they must bo . stored in perfectly dry earth or sand, ! otherwise they are likely to rot. They aro 1 excellent plants for pot culture. i