PLANTING OF BULBS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20508, 8 March 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

PLANTING OF BULBS.

VARIETY IN THE SPRING.

In addition to the numerous species of bulbs previously mentioned for autumn planting there are others which may be included to add variety in decoration and for cut b'looms. Xerinos are a genus comprising several distinctive and beautiful dwarf plants of which the Guernsey lily is a wellknown and popular variety. _ Their showy flowers are produced on upright stems in many umbels. They should be planted in clumps, arranging tho bulbs about 4in. apart arfd 2in. deep. _ The variety humilis is specially adapted for edgings and should bo planted closely together. Fothergilii major is a very beautiful, large-flowered variety, and is most popular. They are indigenous to South Africa. Lycoris aurea, a golden yellow, and radiata, a pink, aro natives of China,,and aro often included under tho namo of nerine. Nerijies are also admirably suited for pot culture. Loam and leaf mould with a little charcoal or a little sharp sand added is a good compost in which to pot them. The periods of growing and resting. as with most other South African •bulbs, must be attended to. A POPULAR LILY. Iris Tingitana. (tho Tangerian lily) has become most popular, not only for garden decoration, but also for its value for cut flowers. It is one of the earliest of the species/to flower. To grow this beautiful iris special treatment is necessary. The bulbs must be taken up annually, as soon as tfye foliage has sufficiently matured, and exposed to the sun. Success is obtained by spreading them out upon an iron roof and afterwards placing them in paper bags and hanging them in a dry place behind a sunny window. Pveplant when they are starting to shoot. Arrange in rows in beds for commercial purposes or in clumps about sin. apart and 2|in. below the surface for garden purposes. /THE WILD HYACINTH. Scillas are a distinctive genus of hardy spring-flowering bulbs. They succeed in any ordinary garden soil and require to be" planted at this season when the bulbs are quite dormant. There are a large number of varieties, many of which are .very beautiful. Scilla, nutans is the blue-bell or wild hyacinth, of which there are several forms. SomQ of the varieties may be planted to naturalise in the grass. Muscari, tho grape hyacinth, is a genus of quaint, hardy bulbous plants that succeed in almost any soil. It is well adapted for planting in clumps or groups in the mixed border, and also for naturalising in short grass. The plants produce the greatest profusion of tubular flowers, mostly in • shades of blue, but there _is also a pure white variety. They increaso readily from offsets, and should be planted closely together to make a good sfiow. Zephyranthes are an interesting class Of hardy bulbous plants. The flowers of many of the kinds precede the leaves, Atamasco being a well-known example. The variety Candida produces a profusion of white crocus-like flowers, being often referred to as the autumn crocus. It is an excellent plant for edgings. GENERAL OPERATIONS. VENTILATION OF SOIL. In / addition to sowing, planting and attending to growing crops, there are Usually plots of land from which crops have been taken that need treating and improving for future cropping. At no time is'the soil in a better condition for breaking up preparatory to cropping than during the late sumrner'and early autumn. 'At this time the soil is usually fairly cry and derives the greatest benefit by exposure, and may be brought into tho most fertile condition by deep digging or trenching to aerate the ground and admit the fertilising properties of the atmosphere. Ventilation is as important for soils as for dwellings, pure air being a stimulant to tho roots of most varieties tif vegetables. In digging or trenching at this season for tho renewal and general cultivation of the/soil the surface should bo left rough and loose to admit tho fertilising gases. In digging the operator must exercise judgment and not fine down the surface with the spade in orc)er to make » neat finish. This is best done at the time of sowing or planting by reforking the plot and breaking down tho lumps find bringing the soil in as fine a condition as possible for the foots of seedlings and other plants. Bv thorough cultivation the character f'f the soil can bo completely changed, made .easy to work and to grow almost any variety of crop. Any portion of the garden that has become worn out and I)lant-sick from constant cropping should 'is specially treated, and in addition to deep (Jigging or trenching should have a good' dressing of stable manure or other good fertilising material worked in and thoroughly incorporated in the soil. THE DAHLIA SHOW. The dahlia show is arranged to be held at the Scots Hall, Symonds Street, on Thursday and Friday March 13 and 34. Judging from the numerous entries received and keen interest among growers, it promises to be the best exhibition of dahlias ever staged in Auckland. The schedule amply provides for tho open, amateur and novice sections. Pot plants, cut flowers, table decorations and other floral exhibits complete a comprehensive arid popular schedule. The new developments in the decorative sections of the dahlia, and the splendid growing season, promise a splendid display of the best and fciost refined blooms.