THE FLOWER GARDEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 13, 16 January 1932, Page 19 (Supplement)

THE FLOWER GARDEN

The flower beds and borders require a general overhaul. Growth throughout the holidays has been most vigorous. Weeds, seedlings and others, have grown apace. Mulching with manure, grass clippings or other suitable material is most beneficial, especially where artificial waterings are regularly applied. The mulch prevents the crust that forms after frequent waterings. Portulacas, cosmea, zinnias, scarlet salvias, French and African marigolds and petunia may still be planted for succession. Chrysanthemums and dahlias require attention to regulating and tying up their growth, and also to mulching and watering when the soil at the roots becomes too dry. Suitable beds and other plots should be deeply dug and manured if necessary for the reception of the first batch of anemones and ranunculi and other hardy bulbs during the first week in March. Narcissi may be planted at once. Many growers prefer replanting shortly after the bulbs have been taken up. As a general rule, toward the end of February is a suitable time to plantPerennial delphiniums that have completed their flowering should have the old flower stems cut back to the ground. Any that arc badly affected with mildew should be destroyed. Replant delphiniums next spring in new ground . Several varieties of early-flowering annuals that arc past should be dug deeply and the soil allowed to sweeten for replanting with bulbs or hardy seedlings early in March. Sweet peas that have done flowering should be cleared away when suffering from dryness at the roots. Mildew invariably attacks the old plants. Burn the haulms.