GARDENING NOTES

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14127, 26 May 1920, Page 3

GARDENING NOTES

AnemcQie and Ranunculus. ’ i n all, except heavy and wet soils, auuhnii planting of the St. Brigid anl allied anemone roots is desirable, jo secure a uniform depth of planting the simplest method is to remove about three inches of the surface soil, set out the roots three to four inches apart, acvoiding to size', and carefully replace the soil. In doing this mix in some old potting soil to improve the ground, as both anemone and ranuculus delight in light, rich soil. • v * »

Clematis. Layering is a good means of increasing all clematis, and this is the best time to do it. When pegging down the stems, work a little good soil immediately round the area, and fasten the shoots round the area, and fasten the shoots so that there is a decided bend in the stems to check the flow 'of sap and induce the development of roots.

*% . • Lifting Dahlia Eoos. When frost destroys the flowers and foliage of the dahlias, cut down the stems to within about a foot of the ground. Tie a latfel with tho name clearly written to each stool. When storing in a frost-proof shed or cellar cover the tubers with coarse sand, old light soil, or any similar material to prevent excessive drying and shrivel- . *

Planting Paeonies. When planting paeonies at * least three feet apart each way should be allowed the plants in order that some other flowers may bo planted between thorn to form a succession. The paeony delights in a deep, rich soil, and there is no better time than now for planting it. There are many beautiful varieties of the paeony from which to make a choice. « * •* *

Green Manuring. Often artificial manures have to lie used in place of farmyard manure for crops in order to supply the soil wit nourishment for the crops, but they are not as good as farmyard manure, with which every effort should be made to dress gardens now and again. Green manuring is the growing.of some ciop, as mustard, rape or turnip, on a spare piece of land and digging it in. Any piece of ground that is not being used could now be sown with one of the above with advantage, and the crop dug in in spring, when about to plant. Manuring in this way supplies valuable humus to the soil and benefits crops It is a particularly useful method of dealing with light, sandy soils, and if continued,, will eventually turn any soil into a fertile, dark, vegetable mould.