CHILDREN'S GARDEN CIRCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 258, 1 November 1939, Page 2

CHILDREN'S GARDEN CIRCLE

Dear Members, —This week I hope many members are anxiously awaiting our No. 1 competition and 1 am pleased to give you the particulars. Each months competition will be judged and the results published and members are asked to keep a record of the number of points received each month. The various competitions will vary in character and we hope will make a special display at our next show. I hope all members will join in making the competition a success. We must all remember that this column is ours, so please let me see our many members using it. Wishing you all the best.—Your friend, “CARNATIO.”

COMPETITION NO. I

All papers must be returned to “Carnatio,” c/o “Chronicle” office, on or before the last Wednesday of the month. Papers to have name, age and address of competitor on each competition paper. The various competitions will be advertised in our column in the Wanganui “Chronicle” on the first Wednesday of each month. The series will be varied and should prove quite interesting and instructive. Competition No. I.—Best verse or verses relating to flowers or gardens. They may be original or otherwise; if original members are asked to mark “original.” NEW MEMBERS Many new members’ names have not appeared in our columns the last two weeks owing to our secretary being very ill. Although our secretary has asked me not to make a fuss about her illness, I feel that we must, all send her a big cheer germ and hope she will soon be quite well again. CHR YS ANTHEM UM CULTU R E I have received several enquiries from country members who are unable to attend our demonstrations for information on the culture of chrysanthemums for exhibition. As full cultural instructions would take up considerable space I think it would be better if we take each step month by month. The selection of the plants is important and they should be from rooted cuttings taken about two months ago. However, if plants are available they should be planted immediately. The situation should be one that gets the sun all day. It is not important, that the soil should be made rich; in fact, all the manure necessary is a little bonedust sprinkled in the hole. Make a hole about eight inches deep and a foot wide. Ram the bottom of the hole very firm by ramming hard with a piece of wood, then place the plant in position, spreading the roots over the bottom of the hole. Half fill the hole and firm the soil, afterwards filling the hole with soil, which should be kept moderately loose. Water the plant thoroughly and shade for a few days. The plants should be planted about, two feet apart and each variety should be clearly named by placing a wooden peg alongside each plant. After a few years most growers are able to distinguish many varieties by their foliage. This is one of the first things you should learn. Do not give any further manure until advised to do so in these notes.

LETTERLAND

“Roseland," —Many thanks for youi interesting letter. Yes. the corm let; you have planted will resemble the parent corm in every way. Some may flower the first year, that is il they were about the size of f marble, they will all flower the second year. Unless you fully understand manuring do not give them anv until advised to do so in these columns. Miss New Zealand was raiser in New Zealand and is one of thf largest, gladioli ever raised. “Boronia," —This is indeed a sur prise to see you back in Lcttcrland Yes, “Miss New Zealand” is still ver.v interested. She is secretary for thr R,angiwaea C.G.C. Will you please call for a parcel. lan. -Thank you for your kinc wishes. Yes, wo were all very prouc of the splendid display made by the crippled children. Just think of llv hours of enjoyment they had making those beautiful things. Yes. we should certainly make a big effort th:.Christmas for them. “Honeysuckle,” Yes, 1 am alwavpleased to hear about your pets anrl to learn that, you have such a clever pony. Please tell me more about him when next you write. Well, you can’t blame tho pony if you leave :ir gate open. Perhaps ho likes flo .< i. “Rob Roy." So you wish to kaj n how floral ladies are made. First y procure a wire frame (these can be purchased from the C.G.C. for is each. Tho frame i.s then covered with scrim, by sowing : t to Ihe frame. A piece of scrim is then so -;i around the bottom and this is gradually brought up to the top of the frame and moss packed in between the two pieces of scrim. Pack and sow the moss as you go. The frame is now ready for placing the pete’s

IRIS TIME AT BULLS

Visitors arc cordially invited to inspect Our Magnificent Collection of Iri«e» in flower during November.