FLOWERS WORTH GROWING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 5

FLOWERS WORTH GROWING.

By J. Gkbbie, Jun.

In looking through the seed catalogues lately issued by the various New Zealand seedsmen for the coming season I find many novelties of recent introduction. The merits of some are set forth by the raisers' description, others by illustrations, and some with only the name, height, and colour of the flower described. The uninitiated are often at a loss what to order. I am frequently asked to name a few choice things worth growing, which would make the garden gay during the summer and autumn montha, and as I have grown almost every variety of annual and biennial catalogued by the colonial seedsmen, I thought that a few notes might not be out of place at the present time. Testing the merits of now flowers or vegetables is a most interesting occupation, and the information gained, if imparted to others, may prove useful. With this tkerefore in view I will name a few of the most showy and best varieties with which I am acquainted, feeling assured that any of thoso enumerated will give satisfaction.

Under the heading of novelties we find several new varieties of asters, the best being Comet, resembling a Japanese chrysanthemum, large flowering, and very fine. Aster ball or jewel, A. mignon, and A. triumph are first-class varieties. The yellow Victoria aster, a splendid aster, but not decided enough to be called yellow, may turn out better this seahon.

Carnations, margarita, truly described in the catalogues. I have over • 200 flowering just now, tully 80 per cent, doubles, clove-scented, free, and perpetual flowering, aud all colours. Come into bloom four or five months after sowing the seed, first class for cut flowers, but not for the exhibition stand.

Carnation, Germania. — One of the best yellow carnations grown, true from seed. Cosmos Hybridus. — Magnificent annuals, requiring to be sown early. The flowers are very like a single dahlia, and make a fine display during autumn. We have grown them here during the past two years, and they have been much admired.

Clianthus Dampieri. — Although not classed with the novelties it ought to bo, for it is one of the most gorgeous plants grown. It is seldom seen, beiug considered a difficult plant to manage, and so it is when not treated according to its requirements. If it be grown inside, I find it to succeed well by sowing the seed in the pot in which it is intended to flower, as it will not bear repotting or having its roots interfered with. Last September I sowed a packet of seed in the open border when sowing other annuals, and placed a pane of glass over it to keep the sparrows from picking it up. In about three weeks time the seedlings appeared, and as they grew I placed a piece of wood under the glass to keep it off the plants until all danger of frost was over, when the glass was removed altogether, and for about three months in the autumn the plants were covered with their magnificent flowers, and were the admiration of all who saw them. The floweis are borne in clusters ; colour, bright scarlet with intense black spot in the centre. It requires to be sown in a dry, sunny spot. Myosotidium Nobile. — A native of the Chatham Islands, commonly known by the name of Chatham Island lily. The leaves are very large, glossy green, and the light-blue flowers resemble a giant forget-me-not. Beautiful in foliage or flower. Phlox Drummondi, Grandiflora, and Splendeus are the best of this class to grow for effect. I have tried all the varieties offered, but for robust habit and rich and beautiful colours I have found none to equal the grandiflora section.

Sweet Peas. — These are general favourites, and those called Eckford's hybrids are far superior to the old sorts. Last season we grew 12 distinct colours. They were very fine, and attracted a deal of attention by their brilliant colours.

Shirley Poppies. — The most lovely poppies yet seen. The colours are mostly light, large, single, and extremely showy, having a charming grace peculiar to themselves. Iceland Poppies. — These are hardy perennials blooming profusely year after year without trouble. Will bloom the first summer if sown early. The colours are yellow, orange, white, &c.

Scabiosa Caucasica. — A hardy perennial, with light blue flowers, useful for cutting. Plants in the border here have flowered all winter. Easily raised from seed. Sunflower (Perennial Varieties). — Are hardy herbaceous plants, very showy, and preferable to the annual varieties, being of dwarfcr growth and flowering for a longer period. The above are of recent introduction. From the general list of standard flower seeds we name the following :—: —

Abronia Umbellata. — A charming aunual with verbena-like clusters of rosy lilac flowers.

Asters. — Truffant's perfection and Victoria are two of the best for exhibition purposes. For flower-garden decoration all classes are good. Campanula Calycauthemum (The Cup and Saucer Canterbury Bells). — Lovely bienuials which make a great show when in flower. Canary Creeper. — A climber with cut leaves and elegant canary-coloured flowers. Ouoof the most beautiful annual climbers.

Chrysanthemums. — The annual varieties are now general favourites. The colours bavo the appearance of being laid on with a brush. Very free flowering, continuing in bloom all summer. Dahlias. — Many people are not aware that dahlias from seed sown in the spriug will bloom the first summer and autumn. From a packet or two of seeds many plants can bo raised, which will be of a great variety of colours, and many of them perfectly double. Tho single varieties aro very gay and beautiful iv colour, and for cut flowers are unsurpassed. Dianthu.s diadctnatue, fl pi , and Dianthus lacinatus have long been garden favourites, furnishing abundance of bloom for a long period. Gaillardia Grandiflora, G. Picta, aud G. Loreuziana. — Very showy, and worthy a place in every garden. They always attract alttution by their gay colours, and are very useful for cutting. Godetias. — A beautiful cKss of annualr, profuse flowering and very showy. The beßt are Lady Albemarle, brilliant crim«on ; Duchess of Albany, satiny white ; aud Princess of Wales, with large bright red flowers. Hibiscus Africanus. — Creamy whiie, with black centre. Malope Grandiflora Alba. — A hand«ome annual producing a profusion of pure white flowers. Marvel of Peru. — Perennials, flower the first year from seed. Planted in clumps they are very showy during the afternoon and early morning. Mignonettes-Well-known fragrant annuals.

I have grown 10 varieties, and [the best were Machet, a dwarf and vigorous grower, extremely beautiful and fragrant, and Golden Queen, a variety of dense pyramidal habit, bearing spikes of yellowish sweet scented flowers.

Nicotiana Affinis.— Growing about 2ft high, the pure white flowers opening in the evening and filling the air around •with a delicious fragrance.

Pentstemons. — Effective border plants. A packet of seed from a choice strain will produce many plants of as good quality as named varieties purchased from a nursery. Salpiglosis Grandiflora. — The colours and markings of the Salpiglosis are most beautiful. The shape and size of the flower is similar to that of the petunoa. It is a flower which will please everyone and should be more generally grown.

Scabious. — The dwarf double varieties are beautiful border plants easily grown. Flowers of various colours, very useful for furnishing a Bupply of cut flowers.

Stocks. — These are the most popular flowers grown. For summer flowering the large flowering dwarf and giant perfection Ten week are good varieties. For spring, I find none to equal the various colours of East Lothian.

Zinnias (Double Zinnias). — This is beside the Aster one of the best annuals grown. Their brilliant flowers make a wonderful effect. Last autumn we had a large bed of 12 colours, which attracted a deal of attention. The flowers were as large as a Pompon dahlia, and perfectly double.

In the above list I have only given those varieties which are easily grown and the most ahowy of the many varieties cultivated here for garden decoration, and by following out the cultural directions given in the catalogues as to the sowing, thinning, and transplanting, a continuous floral display will reward the cultivator.