SOME GARDEN FAVOURITES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20312, 21 January 1928, Page 3

SOME GARDEN FAVOURITES.

TROPAEOLUM POLYPHYLLUM. The yellow Indian cress or Chilian ia» tnrtinm was introduced into British gardens exactly 100 years ago, but it is not vet a common plant, atlhough those who have once grown it successfully have to admit they would not be without it. It is, perhaps, seen to the best advantage when its trailing growth is allowed to hang over ledges in the rockery. Heie its glaucous-green foliage and brilliant yellow blossoms are a special delight during the summer months. The tuberous roots may be planted in September [March in New Zealand] at a depth of 6in to 9in, and as the growth disappears during the winter, it is advisable to place a permanent label to mark the spot where the tubers lie, as they resent disturbance after they are once established. They like a lio-ht, sandy, well-drained soil, and, being natives of Chili, they should be bathed in sunshine. These tropaeolums are also good subjects for dry, sunny banks, where many other perennials would fail to make good. They also make effective edgings where large stones are used at the margins of beds and borders. OUTDOOR TUBEROUS BEGONIAS. Begonias are delicate outdoor plants, and should not be allowed to remain exposed to the risk of frost. It is good policy to lift them early rather than wait till they are cut down by frost, and it is little or no use protecting them out of doors. Dig them up with a good ball of soil attached to the roots, and put them on the floor of a dry shed to wither down. This will not take more than two or three weeks. Shake the roots free of soil, and twist off the foliage at the neck —that is, close to the tuber. Hang the tubers up in a fine net, or put them in a riddle in a dry airy place for a month or so. They will by that time have a mature appearance, the roots dry, and clustered round the tuber. They are now ready for storing, and will keep well in bulk if put in a "dry frostproof place. HABRANTHUS PRATENSIS. Habranthus pratensis, one of the most brilliant-coloured flowers known, is perfectly hardy, despite many rumours to the contrary. It has been grown in a garden in Scotland for the past 15 years, and during that time has never been known to receive protection. We are not alone in this experience, for several other growers in various parts, including the northern districts, have never suffered any material loss. The writer would like to take the opportunity of again referring to this gorgeous lily-like flower. Habranthus is closely allied to the amaryllis, and its flowers resemble those of that family. The colour is a brilliant scarlet of almost tropical appearance, and from three to six flowers are borne on a stem. No other flower can equal it for colour. It is by far the most brilliant of scarlet flowering bulbs. Although it has been introduced for quite a number of years, it has never become ■ popular, and that is simply because, in the past, its cultivation lias been misunderstood, and growers were not fully aware of its fine beauty on account of mistaken treatment. Bulbs should be planted in October [April in New Zealand], and the method of securing successful results is not looked upon as difficult. It ;s essential that the roots should be planted in light soil in as dry and sunny an aspect as possible, and in such a situation the plant will bloom well, and will increase as rapidly as a daffodil. In one instance, where a start.was made with a dozen bulbs, there are now several hundreds. It is satisfactory to note that many enterprising bulb dealers are now offering roots at moderate prices. The bulbs should be planted so that the tops are 2in below the surface of the soil.— G. M. E., in Amateur Gardening. FUNKIAS FOR THE BORDER.

A plant that deserves to be seen more often than it is in the herbaceous border is funkia. It is most conspicuous for its bold and handsome foliage of large veined leaves measuring some 7in across, which are ornamental from their first appearance, but it also beais most attractive flowers of a very pale lavender —almost white with a lavender tint. The leaves spring direct from the root and die down in autumn, so that the plant is out of sight. They are rather late in starting, and it does not follow that the plant has perished if nothing appears when most other herbaceous plants are well forward, Funkia is very accommodating in the matter of cultivation. It may be planted in the autumn or early spring, and while it will grow luxuriantly in a sunny spot, it will also thrive quite happily in partial shade. The roots of well-established plants can be divided in the spring before growth begins; but as the plant is out of sight after the leaves are off the middle of the crown should have been marked with a stick the previous autumn. A BEAUTIFUL SHRUBBERY THYME. This beautiful thyme is without a doubt the finest of the shrubby species. Its small grey-green leaves are exceedingly fragrant, it makes a neatly rounded bush of some 9-12 in in height and rather more in width, and this it adorns with rosywhite flowers throughout the spring months. So abundantly are these honeyscented blossoms yielded that the whole plant is smothered with its fragrant burden. Then one may claim for T. nitidus that it is quite as hardy as the common culinary thyme and quite as easy to grow. It is an ideal shrublet for the rock garden or front of the mixed border, and there is no better subject for associating with dwarf heaths. All it asks is a “ place in the sun,” and a free soil. It is very easily propagated by striking short twigs in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold frame, but even that is not always necessary, for most of these thymes will strike if fairly long pieces are dibbled-in in the open on a cool border.