CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 35, 10 February 1934, Page 13

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Dear Members, —This week I have given you a short ‘‘talk’* on the making of a miniature rock garden. Those of you who attempt this will find it very interesting. Perhaps we may later be able to have a little competition. You will find in making these rock gardens •that it may be necessary to reconstruct I '.nee or twice before the desired result ' s obtained. However, this is all prac,ice and you will find yourself quite i ,ood at it after a little practice. Kind regards to you all. “CARNATIO.” LETTERLAND. I “Queen Bee.”—You are doing quite ight in spraying your “mum. ” plants. It is the only way to prevent the rust getting a hold of your plants. Always pleased to hear about your garden. Tom Armstrong.—A very hearty welcome to the Garden Circle, Tom. A parcel awaits you at the ‘ ‘Chronicle ’ ’ Avenue office. Best of luck with your garden. ‘‘Wild Primrose.”-—lt was a pleasant surprise to hear from you again so soon. You certainly had a happy holiday. Have you planted your daffodils yet? Lt is time they were all back in the ground again. Joyce.—Yes, dear, you may have “Margreta” for your pen-name. 1 think it very pretty. Have you called tor your parcel yet? “Lady Lavender.’’ —Thank you, dear, tor your happy greetings. Pleased to hear you are looking after your •‘mums/’ you will certainly be rewarded with some splendid blooms. Have you called for your parcel? Mrs. E.A. —Your letter received and contents noted. Thank you for the interest you are showing in the C.G.C. “ Jasininium. ”—A very interesting letter, Rita, and I am pleased to hear that your “glads. ” gave you so much pleasure. I hope to see you exhibiting strongly at our spring show'. Would you call at my house for a special parcel. Have noted your suggestion about colours for the C.G.C. Isobel Lethbridge.—l am very pleased <o enrol you as a member of the C.G.C. A parcel awaits you at the Avenue Office of the “'Chronicle” Company. Thank you for your subscription. Kind regards to your gardening pals at 84. NEW MEMBERS. 117—Thomas Armstrong, St. John’s Service Station. 418 —Isobel Lethbridge, 84 Wickstccd Street. ASTER SEED. Uncle Wai would like to hoar from members who purchased aster seed, i They will soon be in flower now and wo I will be pleased to hear the results obi rained. C.G.C. COLOURS. “Jasminium” writes suggesting colours for the C.G.C. I think this is a splendid idea and if worn by all members of the C.G.C. on show days they would serve as an introduction to all members. I want you to feel that you are all cousins of one big circle, with the one idea, of giving happiness to each other. By wearing a badge on show days you would be able to chat with one another and I am sure many lasting friendships would be made. Now what colours will we have? Suggestions, please. PEN PALS. “Heather Bell.”—Will you please write to “Yellow Pansy” and “ ’Ninas Lily.” Enclose letters to me, with youi address, and I will forward them to you. “Sweet Sultan.”—Write to “ ’Xmas Lily,” care of “Carnatio” (enclose letter to me). “Snowdrop.”—Write to “Jasminium.” care of “Carnatio.” Enclose your Tetter and I will forward. A LITTLE INDOOR ROCK GARDEN. It is the Prettiest Thing to Watch and Care For. The making of miniature rock gardens for indoor decoration is a most fascinating hobby—and really quite simple once you know .the way to go about it. The very best way to build your garden would be in a shallow earthenware dish with drainage holes like a flower pot, but that means a mess every time you water it. So the gardens are best built in large earthenware saucers which are sold to go under flower pots. You can buy them in various sizes—l2 to 14 inches across is a good size. Failing this a strong box is very suitable. Line the bottom of the pan or box an inch deep with large pebbles, bits of broken flower pot and —this is most Important—a dozen or so largo bits of charcoal from the garden bonfire. The rocks you can find in your own gardens, or when you walk abroad — watch out for pretty-coloured pieces and old mossy bits. You will want half a dozen or so smaller pieces and one or two larger ones. Now get a small bucket and put into it —half and half of sand and earth—rather less sand than earth and some rotted turf. Mix these well together. If you can buy some peat or moss fibre from the seedsman use this in preference to the rotted turf. Spread a few lumpy pieces of earth on top of your drainage material, and then fill your pan with the mixture from the bucket and press it firmly down with a piece of wood. Put your stones loosely on the top pressing them in and arranging them as you would like to see them. It is a good idea to have one of the larger stones overhanging the edge of the pan. Put a large one high up towards the edge and let the others fall away from it at different levels. Give the pan a good sprinkling from a watering can and put it aside to settle down overnight. Now for the plants. If you are lucky enough to have a well stocked garden you will be able to get a variety of small rock plants. Also look around and see if you can find some small tree about six inches

high. There are some dainty little ones in our bush and it will be great fun looking for them. You may have to lift some of the stones when planting your miniature tree as the roots must be spread out. Later I will give you the tip how the Japanese grow their miniature trees for their rock gardens—just remind me should I forget. Arrange the little plants where they will look best and then carpet the larger spaces of bare earth with moss.

Scrape a little gravel from the path and wash in a colander. Remove the larger pebbles and spread the tiny ones (you will be surprised to find how beautifully coloured some of them are) around your plants and in the crevices

of the stones and your miniature rock » garden is finished. You will find you will have to make | a few attempts before you obtain a per- > feet miniature rock garden. Now, chil- | dren, there is something that dad and > mum will take a great interest in.