NEGLECTED IRISES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18891, 13 December 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

NEGLECTED IRISES.

GORGEOUS FLOWERING PLANTS. The genus iris contains so many species, and bas become so numerous in Britain that gardeners find it a difficult matter in making their selections. Here the cultivation of this tribe of plants has been sadly neglected, leaving much to be desired in the importation of some of the best and most desirable varieties. Even the Japanese iris, Kaampferi, that succeeds so well here, is remarkable for its absence in our gardens. This magnificent

iris produces very large flag-like flowers in almost every shade of colour, some striped and veined in a most exquisite manner. It prefers moisture, and should be planted with the surface slightly below the surrounding soil to admit liberal waterings. In Japan, it is cultivated as a subaquatic. English and Spanish iris are gorgeous flowering plants, tho flowers are valuable for cutting. There are two large sections into which the iris family is usually divided, they may be termed tho bulbous and the rhizomatous sections.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON. The holiday season is now at hand, consequently the garden and grounds should bo got into the best possible condition in order to allow tho cultivator a few weeks' respite during the holiday season, and to enjoy the result of his past labours. Lawns and other portions of the grounds in grass will require to have their surfaces closely cut and rolled. Grass and other verges and edgings must be neatly trimmed. All weeds must be eradicated from the walks and drives, or destroyed by weed-killers. Several plants will need attention to staking, notably dahlias, gladioli, chrysanthemums and carnations. Hoses should have all the spent blooms picked off to strengthen the plants and prolong their flowering season, and also to enhance their appearance. Carnations, pinks, and picotees should also receive attention. They are flowering splendidly and well deserve a little extra care in tying up the blooms and thinning out some of the flower beds. This will keep tho flowers clean and develop larger blooms, and show them off to the best advantage.

THE FLORAL DISPLAY. Gardens are everywhere bedecked with the utmost profusion of bloom. Climbing roses are still laden with blossoms. Japanese irises are conspicuous with their showy (lag-like flowers, the colouring and shades being extremely unique and diverse in appearance. OfJier kinds of irises are also in bloom 1 Pelargoniums and fuchsias arc in their I full glory; both are indispensable ornaments ; !of the flower garden. Fuchsias are ex- | I tremoly interesting and graceful in their ' habit of growth and appearance and are most floriferous. They may bo grown without any special care. The list uf j varieties is very numerous. Pelargoniums arc admired by all, especially the large-flowered regal and decorative kind-;. Ivy-leaved geranuims both single and double-flowered are very showy. The dwarf-growing kinds are best adapted to I the rock garden, the tall climbing var- I ieties for trellises and for mixing in the ! ''edge rows. Zonal pelargoniums or common geraniums as they are more com- . monly called aro thriving and flowering j better than for many years past. They are but little troubled with rust fungus that has so damaged their foliage during recent years and nffocted their flowering and given the plants a shabby appearance.