RAMONDIAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 8 (Supplement)

RAMONDIAS

BEAUTIFUL ROCK PLANTS Hamondia pyrenaica is perhaps the best known of these beautiful rock plants, coming from shady, moist, limestone cliffs in the Pyrenees. The dark green crinkled leaves will form rosettes, l'2in. to 18in. across, and a strong, well-grown plant will often form a cluster of such rosettes. The large lavender blue flowers, with prominent golden centres, are borne on tin. to oil), steins in spring. It is a plant for deep rock crevices or for a wall garden with a southern aspect. It grows epuallv well in limestone or sandstone, but it should be given ample root space in loam and leafy soil; must always have a cool southern exposure and be well watered in dry -weather, as the plant is very sensitive to drought and the leaves will shrivel badly if not kept moist. It has remarkable powers of recovery after such neglect, and if thoroughly soaked at the root and also over the shrivelled leaves the latter will soon recover.

Ramondia pyrenaica can bo increased by division of the roots in early spring. Seeds may be sown in peaty soil in a shaded coo] frame in March or leaf cuttings may be set in sand and peat and kept close in a cool frame. The seeds are as line as snjiff and must be kept shaded and covered after sowing. In two seasons the seedlings should be large enough to plant out in permanent quarters.

The plant varies considerably in the size and depth of colour of its flowers, some being poor and narrow petalled, others large and round, well-furnished and handsome; some a pallid lavender, others rich lavender-blue or lilac. There are also white flowered varieties. When a particularly good variety is observed it is advisable to increase the stock of it by means of leaf cuttings. The leaf cuttings are obtained by pulling off leaves with a "heel" during summer and autumn and inserting the stems in soil similar to that used for seeds, but with a larger proportion of sand, and keeping them in a cool, moist, shaded frame.

Ramondia Nataliae is a rare kind from Bulgaria, and is best grown in a rock crevice in loam, leaf mould and sand, with a cool aspect. Ramondia serbica is also a desirable plant for the rock garden and is intermediate in habit and general appearance between Ramondia Nataliae and Ramondia pyrenaica. It needs similar treatment.

PLANTING OF STRAWBERRIES MANURING ADVISABLE When the new strawberry plants arrive they should be planted at the first opportunity, preferably during showery weather. The earlier the plants are put in before the winter, the better established they will be for fruiting. Pests and diseases are so widespread among the strawberries, that many take the wise precaution of dipping the new plants in insecticide (nicotine sulphate at summer spraying strength), before planting. This dipping kills aphides or other insects which may be infesting roots or leaves. The plants are afterwards rinsed in clear water and planted at once.

In recent years the practice of sterilising by hot water treatment has found favour as a means of combating disease and pests, and ensuring healthy stock. The plants are placed in netting

bags and immersed ill water kept at 11U degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. The plants are afterwards dipped in cold water, then dried and planted immediately. In most gardens preparation should consist ot trenching and working the manure into the top soil. The plants mostly root in the top 6in. Basic slag can be broadcast at the rate of 41b. per square yard, or .failing that, a mixture consisting of five parts superphosphate can be applied as well as three parts of sulphate of potash at Alb. per square yard. The soil should be trodden fairly firm, and raked level for planting. A good method of planting is shown in the sketch. SOWING ONIONS USE OF MANURES For good onions there is always a demand, a supply being required all the year round, and it is the usual practice to make the main sowings for transplanting purposes during the next few weeks. The seed beds are always best in an open situation, and sowing preferably in drills, the operation of weeding being then more quickly and expeditiously performed. Poultry and sheep manure have long been recognised as excellent manures for onions, but these manures should be well dug into the soil before sowing. Superphosphate and bonedust are also good, especially where the soil is naturally moist. Salt, soot and lime are useful as manures, and also for preventing attacks of tlie onion maggot and other insects. Wood ashes and charred rubbish are useful mixed with other manures. Some market growers in onion-growing districts sow salt and soot with the seed, and their crops of onions are usually fine. The, best formed and soundest bulbs are grown where the surface is rather firm than loose, and if the soil is of a light nature it should be well trodden before sowing, and the seeds cannot be too near the surface, providing they are just covered, and as soon as the seedlings appear hoeing and weeding should be practised as often as necessary to keep the beds clean.