WORTH-WHILE SUBJECTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19762, 8 October 1927, Page 5 (Supplement)

WORTH-WHILE SUBJECTS.

FLOWERING CHERRIES. Japanese flowering cherries comprise many beautiful varieties which embrace a profusion of double, semi-double, and single blossoms. Every branch and twig is laden with pendant bunches of flowers in various shades of pink and * rose, one variety having unique greentinted blossoms. Mount Fuji is a remarkable variety which produces bunches of large, pure white double blossoms. Planted as single specimens and here and there in the mixed border and in the shrubbery ' fchese flowering cherries are most effective. The taller-growing varieties of flowering cherries are also recommended for avenue and park planting. They are very hardy and succeed in most classes of soil. CANNAS. Cannas are easily grown and have become exceedingly popular as they impart a beautiful and stately aspect to the garden with their broad, massive foliage, comprising many shades of green surmounted with gorgeonsly-coloured blossoms. They are most effective planted in groups and are also suitable fbr rockeries, while the dwarf-growing kinds are suitable for pot culture. AZALEAS. The varieties belonging to the Indian and Chinese section (azalea indica) are, among dwarf-growing flowering shrubs, the gayest ornaments of the garden at the present time. They flourish to perfection in ordinary garden soils, but prefer a fairly light, moist, well-drained soil. They resent lime and fresh stable manure as well as interference with their roots by deep digging around the bushes. They are well adapted for growing upon grassy banks, keeping the surface immediately around each plant free j from weeds. They are mostly of dwarf habit, and admirably adapted for occasional planting among the dwarf-growing shrubs in the mixed border. The larger growers are suitable for the edges of the shrubbery. There are, in addition to the large number of singleflowered kinds, many beautiful doubleflowered forms. They cover a long season of flowering and come in when everything is clothed in young spring growth, and form a charming contrast to the verdant foliage of surrounding subjects. In addition to the evergreen azaleas, there are the deciduous Ghent or American, and the Mollis or Japanese sections in their many beautiful species and hybrids. They flower before breaking into leaf and are all very hardy. RHODODENDRONS. These are associated with azaleas as they belong to the same genus and require similar treatment. They are justly classed among the most beautiful and attractive of evergreen shrubs. New kinds indigenous to China and also many magnificent- new hybrids are being constantly added to those already in cul tivation. The variety pink, recently the most beautiful of all rhododendrons, is equalled, if not superseded, by some later achievements Some are remarkable for their broad, massive foliage. Several of the Himalayan species have highlv-perfumed flowers. To grow rhododendrons successfully m ordinarv garden soils of a stiff natuie, ■with a retentive clay sub-soil, special preparation is necessary by digging a fairlv wide and deep hole. Refill by placing in the bottom of the hoie about nine or more inches of fine scoria ash and on top a mixture of turfy loam and peat in equal proportions with some sharp sand added. Provision must also be made for draining any water away that at the bottom of the hole. A little dried cow manure may be aaded to. the compost. In stiff, retentive soils the above preparation is necessary, otherwise the plants ■will never present a healthy and flourls^ n ing appearance. In localities where soil is deep and of a fairly porous nature, but little preparation will be needed. The verv hardy ponticum varieties will succeed in almost any situation ant are not so particular as to soils. PRODUCTION OF FLOWERS Present-day requirements demand large quantities of flowers of particular kinds for house decorations. lo meet this demand annuals, notably stocks, zinnias, asters, gaillardias, sweet peas, poppies, antirrhiniums, annual And perennial delphiniums, phlox drummondu, sweet sultans, and coreopsis of sorts are ail indispensable and must be largely grown. In the more recent creations old objection able colours have been ehmmatc-d Plants of dwarf habit and more floriferous character have been produced with larger flowers and most lively colours. Attention should be paid to planting the various kinds at their proper seasons and a regular succession should be maintained. MIMULTJS. The attractive spotted and blotched flowers of the mimulus tigrinus are novel and attractive, having a pleasing effect in beds and borders. They are mois-ture-loving plants and are most suitable for the moist conditions prevailing tins winter. Hence the healthy vigorous condition of the plants, They may also be grown in pots*