HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 1, 5 July 1911, Page 38

HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

Herbaceous plants should be lifted. an 1 when desirable subdivided before replanting'. Il is often a good plan to lift these and heel them in. whilst the border is lieing dug over and manured. When this work is completed, the het baceous plants can be re-arranged for next season’s flowering. Many herbaceous plants never get a chame through neglect, (annas Delphiniums. Gaillardias and such like are often left in the same place year after year, and the best results cannot lx* expected, lake up the clumps and re-plant the young growth back after thoroughly pre paring the soil by digging and manuring. Some plants are very hardy and robust growing, others are somewhat deli cate and require a slight protection dur ing winter. Plants from all parts of the globe are grown in the Dominion and expected to thrive side* by side, without regard to their requirements. Some do well in a warm sheltered position, whilst others require a cool, moist situation.

There are several, of course, which thrive* almost anywhere. The choice varieties of carnations in New Zealand are not by any means numerous. We always advise those desirous of obtaining particular choice varieties to book orders early. Many orders for next season's layers are already booked. We are pleased to learn that Mr. Brett, of Takapuna. has consented to place some of his choice seedlings on the market next season; also layers from the best varieties recently imported from England. The plants will be ready for delivery during next March and April. Gladioli, begonia, and other bulbs stored way, should be examined, and any’ showing signs of decay removed. This work can be undertaken on wet days. All winter supplies of roots, such as onions, potatoes, etc., should be occasionally turned over. Early potatoes which have been sprouted, can be planted, choosing a dry situation with a sunny aspect. Care should be taken not to break the buds. Potatoes do best on a rich friable soil. At this season pergolas may Ite erected. There is no structure so suitable for displaying and training the many beautiful varieties of climbing plants as a pergola. Provided a suitable position can be found, the work of erecting can be undertaken by any handy man. Any rough durable timber may be utilised for this work.

No garden can be considered complete without a collection of herbs, but frequently’ these are overlooked. Some out-of-the-way corner of tin* garden is sometimes chosen as a suitable location for growing them, and these useful plants are not hard to grow in almost any place. Beds for ten week stocks should be got ready for early planting. Where a line display of these fragrant Howers are appreciated, they should he transplanted to their flowering quarters as

early as possible. The land should be well worked and given a good dressing of manure to secure the best results. Plant fairly’ close together, say four to six inches, and when Hower spikes begin to show the single ones can be pulled out, having ample room for the double flowering plants. Choice varieties of mignonette may be sown in boxes ami treated in a similar manner to stocks. A common idea prevails that mignonette won't transplant. ’This we have proved to be wrong. The seedlings can be singled out. and transplanted with a ball and make handsome specimens when given plenty’ of room. Many annuals never get a •chance t hrough overcrowding.