CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 252, 23 October 1937, Page 13

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Dear Members,— I am sure these beautiful sunny clays have made your gardens quite gay, and one sees some glorious Howers in many gardens, and 1 hope some of my little friends have had pleasure in visiting many of the beautiful gardens in Wanganui and districts. This week', I had the pleasure of visiting one of Wanganui’s leading gardens and it made me wonder just what weary and dull homes we would have if no Howers were with us to brighten our homes. With the birth of the U.G.C. 1 feel sure many homes have been brightened with members’ gardens and many little hands have made beauty spots from bare and barren spots. It is most important that this good work should continue and members will, 1 feel sure, stick loyally to their C.G.U. My Garden, My Happiness—is our motto. Your gardening friend, CARNATIC).

NEW MEMBERS. 1218—Phyllis Ponting, Durie Street. SENIOR MEMBERS. All senior members are requested to meet at the W.D.F.U. Rooms on Friday, 29th, at 7 p.m., as it is hoped to arrange further classes and social evenings. All members and friends are asked to make a special effort to attend. SOCIAL EVENING. A social evening will be held in the W.D.F.U. Rooms on Tuesday, November 2, commencing at 8 p.m. All members of all committees, parents, associate members, senior members and supporters of the movement are specially invited to be present. Further particulars can be had by ringing Mrs. Hood, King’s Avenue, or Mrs. Macleay, Heads Road. 6d and a basket. LETTERLAND. “Miss New Zealand.”—The parcel was posted last week and I hope it reached you safely. Send letter about chrysanthemums and I will arrange to have some sent to you. Hope all reached home safely. Audrey Hood.—So sorry to hear of your accident. You have indeed been unlucky this year. Let us hope for better luck next year. “Wax-Eye.”—lt is ages since I had a letter from you, though I know you are as keen as ever. Have several articles left behind at our show and probably yours is amongst them. Ask mother to meet me at the rooms next Wednesday, 1.30 p.m. Have noted your request to join the Chrysanthemum Club.

“Water Lily.” —Thank you, Gwen, for coming back to Letterland. Do you know if parcel of cake reached Violet? Do not know of the seeds you mentioned. There is a single chrysanthemum called Garcia. It is bronzy in colour and was raised in Wanganui. Will arrange to have some cuttings sent to you.

Asters and Zinnias.—Get busy and sow seeds of these beautiful flowers immediately. Bot b are of special value for autumn display and are of easy cultivation.

June Howell.—Have noted your change of address. Hope to call all senior members together next Friday night at 7 p.m. Will you get as many to attend as possible. Bring along your ideas. “Lilac T;%ne.” —Suggest you endeavour to obtain some of the cheaper varieties of cacti or succulent plants. Some varieties can be obtained cheaply and look very well arranged in the small pumice cups, etc. It will be necessary for you to obtain come shellrock for your little garden. Crush or break it up very small and sprinkle it amongst your pumice pieces when placed in your dish. Yes, it would be quite a good idea to collect your plants and make certain articles for your dish garden. About your inquiry for autumn flowers. Marigolds, both the African dwarf and tall, are very showy. It is not yet too late to sow the seed. You can also sow asters and zinnias now. “White Daffodil.”—You are certainly a keen little member and your flowers were sent to a little member who had the misfortune to ru a piece pf wire through her foot. I am sure your flowers gave her a lot of pleasure. REMINDERS FOR LITTLE GARDENERS. Chrysanthemums. Planting of these glorious autumn flowering plants should be done immediately. When planting make the soil very firm, even harden so much so that footprints will not show on it. Scoop out about one foot deep of soil and harden with a block of wood and then sprinkle about four inches of loose soil on this. Spread out the roots of the plant and firmly plant, finishing off with loose soil. Water thoroughly and place supports in place. Do not worry if the plants flag for a few days, they will soon all pick up again. And don’t forget to plant a few singles for decorative work. There are some splendid showy varieties to be had at a very moderate figure. Gladioli. —Planting time is right here for these beautiful flowers. Assorted varieties or named varieties can be purchased very cheaply and a splendid show can be had for a few shillings. While not particular as to the class of soil, gladioli, however, prefer a sunny, open position, away from trees and hedges. They do well in light or heavy soil. Plant six inches deep in light soil and four inches deep in heavy soil. Do not add any manure unless it is well rotted cow manure, which should be placed at least two inches below the corms. Do not allow any manure to come in contact with the bulb. Gladioli usually take from 90 to 100 days to flower.

Pansies.—Pansies are now at their best and spent blooms should be picked off so as to allow further flowering. Mark any of special merit so that cuttings can be taken in January. A dose of liquid cow manure (weakly diluted with water) once a fortnight will prolong the flowering season.