HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 21, 22 May 1912, Page 38

HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

j T X esteemed correspondent sends y | ns a leaf of “Sir Francis Drake” daffodil which he tells ns h? imported last October. The leaf measures exactly twenty-four inches in length. Evidently this variety is a very vigorous grower ami we shall he pleased to learn what the blooms are like. Sir Francis Drake* is one of Kendall’s raising. It is a yellow trumpet, and this raiser has the promt distinction of giving us King Alfred. Fhe late heavy rains should give daffodils a good chance of making root growth, so essential to first-class blooms, and we look forward hopefully to a fine display in early spring. Immediate attention must be given to the preparation of rose beds where this important matter has been neglected or overlooked. Deep digging or trenching, leaving the soil turned up to the elements until ready for the plants, is of first importance in securing a good crop of blooms. Fruit trees and roses which we have seen in nursery rows in the Dominion are a fine healthy lot and should give satisfaction to our intending planters. 'There appears no sufficient reason why we should import such from Australia when our own nurserymen want the trade and can do it well. People who require a good supply of spring flowers should not overlook the e.i rly-ilowering Gladioli. Such varieties as The Bride are splendid for cutting and last wadi in water. They are also (heap and easily grown. The new purple leaved Single Dahlia appears to be a good novelty. It is quite distinct in foliage and flower from other single*. has long, stiff, fairly erect stems, and the dark crimson flowers have much more substance than any other. These are not so large as some singles, but are much more lasting, and in addition if comes true from seed. 'The large flow (‘red or Mammoth Single Dahlia certainly has enormous blooms, but they are “Hoppy” and altogether so lacking in substance and make one doubt whether the\ are worth the attention or trouble to grow, unless for mere size.