Winter Colour Indoors

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 10 (Supplement)

Winter Colour Indoors

Early Flowers from Buds

The buds of some flowering shrubs develop early, although it will bo some weeks before they open. Where the bushes are largo enough to permit of shoots being cut off without spoiling the shape of the bushes, or impairing the forthcoming show of bloom, it is possible to have welcome flowers indoors before the bushes bloom in the normal manner. The shoots which produce tho flowers may be recognised by their enlarged buds which are more rounded than the leaf buds. These shoots should be cut off to the desired length and tho stems crushed for three or four inches to allow water to pass up. In about a fortnight the flowers will open and form a useful decoration as a change tp bulbs. Very few leaves will develop and those which do will be a delicate green. Ribes or flowering currant is particularly valuable for providing early flowers. "When treated in this manner the blooms open almost whito and change to a delicate shade of pink. Peach and almond are also useful. Sprays of the winter jasmine will be a delight with their delicate perfume, and no doubt with a little experimenting many more will bo found in the garden to All the gaps in the flower supply. This is one of the most effective means of obtaining blooms for filling the vases indoors, and tho flowers are most welcome at the winter season.