ANEMONES AND RANUNCULI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21040, 31 May 1930, Page 7

ANEMONES AND RANUNCULI.

. Anemones ore delightful garden subjecta; they ore especially suitable for bedding purposes and yield abundance of bloom m rich colourings of crimson, scarlet, pmk, blue; violet, and white. The ranunculus is a very charming spring flower, and is suitable for small or large gardens. The plants are free flowering, producing blooms in a wonderfully wide range of colour. They are easily grown, and the blooms are specialli suitable for house and table decoranon. The following seasonable planting hints are given by Messrs Stinton and Son. Geelong, the well-known specialists with these flowers (says the Garden Lover) Good drainage is essential. Feeding roots penetrate to a much greater depth than is commonly supposed to bo the case. This particularly applies to the anemone. Porosity of the soil is of first importance in the growth of all bulbs, tubers, and corms, as adequate aeration of the soil ig necessary, , Both subjects respond to liberal treatment, but if organic manures are used, two points must be observed. The manure be thoroughly incorporated with the soil, and should not be used at all unless thoroughly decomposed. The manure should not come in contact with tho tubers or corns, but should bo well below these. Pure bone meal, finely ground, and well mixed in the soil is a suitable and safe fertiliser. Apply at the rate of 3oz to the square yard. Blood and bone, or anything tending to a soft sappy growth, should be avoided. Plant about the second week in April. Tht tubers and corms have then had their natural period of rest, and the soil has lost some of its summer heat, and the start may be slow--

Do not hasten growth In the initial stages with these subjects. Plant about one foot apart for best results. Keep the soil surface in a nice friable condition during the whole period of growth, If ground has not been limed within two years, It is necessary to give It a good dressing at least two months before planting. A kerosene tin full of slaked lime will not be too much for 50 square yards if the soil is a strong heavy one. In light soils half that quantity would suffice. People Inquire why, in the case of ranunculi, second year tubers do not give such good results. In the ease of hybrids of the first generation, greater vitality and an enormous flower crop, is obtained. If permitted, the tubers will flower to exhaustion and will disappoint in the second year. On the other hand, many tubers are lost because when taken from the soil they are exposed to strong sunlight. The stems should be allowed to die down thoroughly before the tubers or conns are lifted, and these should be immediately stowed away in a cool dry spot to await next year’s planting. Mice often attack these subjects when in store, and care is necessary. Placing in a box and covering with dry sand is perhaps the Ideal method of preserving them during the dormant period.