THE GARDEN

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 2607, 8 April 1926, Page 8

THE GARDEN

SEASONABLE HINTS. Raising Dahlias from Seed. Jffow that the dahlias are with ns the choicer varieties and save ' seme seed from them. Probably, few amateurs realise with what ease dahlias may be raised from seed. A sowing made in September will produce sturdy plants that will bloom the following autumn. ; There are two distinct advantages gained by treating dahlias ns annuals. Theiv* is a chance nf raising some charming novelty, and where space is limited the trouble of storing the tubers through the winter dispensed with. \ When growing seedlings do not discard the weakly-looking plants; these are worth a little extra trouble, as they aye the ones which usually produce the most striking- blooms. If you should more seedlings than you have room for, discard the strongest-looking ones. Work for the Week. Special attention at- this time should be given to the sowing of various hardy annuals and perennials. Annuals are not employed in gardens as freely us they should be and for those whose arc limited it is the least' expensive. Firstly, turn your attention to sweet

peas and sow wherever you can find suitable spots for them; nothing blooms so freely during the late spring. Sow largely of Shirley popies. There arc such lovely varieties to be obtained at little cost and they are withal so easily grown. Sow mignonette, calendula, marigolds, godetias, dimorphotbe*as, osehscholtzias, namesia, stocks, cornflowers, linaria and candytuft.

Among the perennials sow antirrhinums, which latter is largely treated as an annual, long-spurred aquilegias, wallflowers, geums, gypsophila, violas .and pansies, Iceland poppies, the large Oriental poppy, scabious and forget-me-nots. The above will all withstand Jthp frosts and fill the garden with .Colour at a much earlier period than if the seeds were sown during spring, . with the further' advantage that more time is gained' in the early spring for other necessary work. Plant anemones and ranunculi, and all bulbous subjects. ' New Asters. An aster which caused some comment and much admiration was shown in horticultural circles at Home during «*■ the season and will soon be included in -every catalogue. It has been named the Sunshine Aster, •on account of their golden centres. The blooms, are: all quilled with many striking colours. 'The quilled centres are golden in Colour, and arc immediately surrounded by small florets, -which merge into white, at the outer edges. The outer petals form a loosely curled circle, making the flowers extremely phasing jto the eye. The plant is of the fa/vourjte branching habit, throwing long stems! which makes it more valuable for*all cut’flower work, with blooms which measure from four to six inches in diameter. .

Asters are at,all, times great favourites, anil this new variety will undoubtedly'gain great popularity. Bulbs For Indoor Culture.. The.most favoured bulb for this ■purpose is probably the hyacinth. Ihey . sire beautiful, fragrant and long lasting. They may be successfully grown in soil, a peaty, fibrous mixture, or waiitl. When grown in soil the compost JfofyM be ; composed of a good loam, leaf mould, sharp sand and a little well decayed coin manure. In potting, , barely cover the bulb, and then place the pots outdoors on a bed of ashes, and put a covering of old sacking material about four inches above the pots. Leave them exposed to all weathers and allow them to make an inch of top growth before removing indoors. First auto a subdued light until the blanched foliage has attained its full green colour, and then into the 'sunniest situation at command, whether conservatory or window. A too frequent fault made in forcing hyacinths is that they are subjected to heat before the bulbs are fully rooted. For growing in water, pure clean rain water for preference should be used, with a piece or two of charcoal, in it. In. some places 'a mixture ot peat fibre, shell and charcoal is obtainable for the purpose. When grown solely in water the bulb may be kept •securely in position with the aid of a , tittle netting. t Its "base should at all times just touch the water. Place the, glasses in a cool' dark place to on conA, rage foot growth, keeping them supplied with water as required. When nearly full of roots (not before) and an inch or two of top growth made, jii-'idunllv admit them to the light, and T* * | , frnm thence to the sunniest place you can find. Avoid a too dry or frosty atmosphere or a. draughty situation, as such conditions will often cause the flower buds to shrivel up. For bonds ihe early white Roman Hyacinths are much nsod, while the small white, blue and mauve hyacinth candican are very pretty and of easy culture. ,

Among narcissi, the variety (golden spur) is very suitable and early, doing well in moss, but the earliest for this purpose is Cervates narcissi, which for some reason does not. figure in many catalogues. Many interesting experiments may be made with various varieties of the narcissi family. As a general rule tulips do not take kindly to early forcing, with the exception of little Due Van Thol early spring, single tulip. These are recommended. In the Vegetable Garden. Pill all spare ground with something for winter or early spring use. There can be no question .as'to the value of winter vegetables from a health - standpoint; they ate scarcer and consequently dearer at these periods, and the purchaser is apt to cut' - down supplies at a time when they are most needed. With a plot of well-drained, ground it is not difficult to keep a supply going. Spinach is an important winter vegetable which is less grown by amateurs than it deserves. It is . easy of culture if a little trouble is taken in preparing a rather rich compost. The long-stand-ing or prickly'is a hardy variety to grow. *

Stump-rooted carrots may be sown and white turnips, lettuce and radish. Plants of both green and purple kale, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage may be set in; also plants of leek and celery. • .Sow „somc seed of an early maturingonion for. spring use.