SPRING FLOWERING BULBS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS.

[THE VARIETIES JO GROW.

The season has again arrived when attention should be directed to tho plantin"* of suitable selections from the long list 01 hardy flowering bulbs. The many purposes for which these charming subjects may bo employed for the adornment of the garden in the spring is wellknown and appreciated. The starting into Towth of the different kinds of early flowering bulbs that have been left in tho ground is the best practical guide in beginning the replanting of those that have been taken up. They have started to iaak9 fresh roots earlier than usual this seasou owing to tho wet state of tho scjil. Consequently planting may be commenced at once to provide for the earliest display.

The majority of bulbs may be taken up and stored during their season of rest but if not replanted at the proper time they are likely to wither and become exhausted. Many failures result from keeping them cut of the ground too long, as the roots of some blubs are always more er less in action. All -varieties of bulbs are great favourites when in bloom and are specially prized for cutting. No garden is complete without a fair representation cf the most popular. Although our climate ia unsuitable to grow to perfection many of the early spring favourites of the eld country such as crocusses, snowdrops, chionodoxa and ethers that are seen to best advantage among frost and snow we are more than compensated by the innumerable varieties requiring a milder climate that can be grown and thrive with greatest ease and perfection. The following, are all suifcsb!e for present planting.

ANEMONES AND RANUNCULI. 'Anemones and ranunculi ara general favourites and are grown in most gardens, being of tie easiest culture. Tha anemone pr wind flower, with which few flowers can compare in variation and brilliancy of colours, will thrive in an;/ ordinary well-drained garden soila. They should be planted in separate beds, groups or in borders, placing the tubers about 6in. apart and from 2in. to 2Ain. deep with the colours well intermixed. Splendid effects may be produced during tiia spring.

The St. Brigid strains in single and 2oubla flowered forms, are best suited to our climate and are generally favoured. The previous years seedling tubers, about the 3ize of ordinary peas or a little larger, invariably prodnce the best results. Tbo varieties of coronaria, the old-fashioned poppy anemone, in both double and single flowered forms, are very distinct and most ornamental. Propagation of anemones is mostly by seeds. Careful selection of the best flowers and skilful hybridisation will produce 3plendid results.

. Ranunculi rank nest to anemones for their great beauty, diversity of colours and freedom with which their flowers are produced and general popularity for garden decoration and cutting. The asiaticus or common garden ranunculus, in single, semi-double and double formed flowers, are the mcst extensively grown. The previous year's seedling tubers are invariably selected. They prefer a fairly niuist well-drained soil. Insert the small flaw-shaped roots about 6in. apart end from to 2in. deep, ciaws downward. j Press firmly in place, with a lighn covering of sand immediately over the crowns of the tubers, before adding the final covering.

The vulgaris or common Persian ranunculus, ,ih numerous garden forms, with compact double and single flowers in all colours, some variegated, is a very distinct section, the very double evenlyformed flowers being exquisitely shaped. The turbans are a distinct class with large double full flowers comprising only a tew varieties. The green edged sr;:rlet

is very unique. They are propagated chiefly by divisions. Ranunculi should bo plantcdy in separate beds, or ia dumps cr groups, for mass production.

NAHCISSUS. The important of all early flowering bulbs is tile narcissus or daffodil, -ill are worth growing from the oldest to the rarest and most beautiful roveity. The number of varieties under all the sections is most numerous and bewildering to the amateur. So much has been said and written about these universal uvourites that it is needless to say more excepting to remind intending planters •n the many varieties that are offered by vendors and that now is the time to plant Hie hist batch. They should be planted hi separate beds m rows, or in clumps in the mixed border, arranging the bulbs about 4:: i. apart and 2in. below the huriace. Several of the varieties are utilised for pot culture. 'J he different ' .inctiefi of polyanthus narcissi and many others are cultivated in pots. A good pot-' 'iag compost is fibrous loam and manure ill about equal parts v, it.li some coarse sand intermixed.

SPANISH ISIS AND FHEESIAS.

Spanish irises, including English, start e-irly and should be planted accordingly. Both are of Spanish origin and are special favourites on account of their quaintly marked unique and many very beautiful ; olours that are blended in their flowers. I. hey should be planted in clumps or groups/in the mixed border arranging the buibs auout oin. apart and 2m. deep iii moderately light, well-drained son. fho buibs may be allowed to remain two years or more without taking them up.