FLOWERS FOR A SHADY BORDER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 20, 13 November 1912, Page 41

FLOWERS FOR A SHADY BORDER.

One often hears a half complaint about flower-borders that only get partial sun. and unfavourable comparisons with others which are reached by the sun the whole day. In many instances these sliadv borders are a boon to gardeners, more especially in large gardens and public domains, Where a succession of bloom has to be maintained throughout the year. Wc do not often regard the shady portion of the garden as the best for the growing of roses, yet one is bound to confess from experience of it, that it has been from such places one has many times gathered bloom of finer quality than elsewhere, simply because the buds have developed gradually and have not been hastened by intense heat. Take for example that beautiful old rose, Jean Dueher. Grow ; n in a partially shaded border or under a tree it is indeed very beautiful and worth cultivating on account of its vigorous growth and free flowering propensities. Planted out in the open, this old lady's charm will soon fade and is not worth keeping on your visiting list. The hybrid perpetual, Dr. Hogg, the nearest approach to a blue we have, is well worth growing when planted in the shade. If exposed to the full rays of the sun it burns and is not worth garden room. The same may be said of that old aristocrat, the Earl of Duflcrin, a rich velvety maroon, a grand flower when partially shaded. Last season my best blooms and latest flowering roses were cut from the shady border. Madame Lombard, Maman Cochet and Jean Dueher flowered right, through the winter. 1 contend that tinhalf' shady spot may be made the most attractive for tho longest period. Take the ease of a. few flowers at present in bloom. I’aeonies furnish a good example. Few summer blossoms are more rich in colour, few indeed are more useful to the lover of cut flowers, but bow frequently do wc see that when planted in a spot devoid of shade their beauty is of short duration, whereas if given the advantage of shade as well as sun the period is prolonged. We sometimes look upon the sunny border as an altogether ideal spot for the growing of many annuals, but when we experience a dry spell we are forced io the conclusion that after all the border screened for some period of the day from the extreme beat of the sun has its uses. Pansies, Alimulus, Stock-. Schizanithus, Candytuft. Dianthus, Irtpatiens Holstii, Sweet Sultan, Tuberou Begonias, Canterbury Bells, Cyclamen, Delphinium and Sweet Peas planted in such situations in late spring will prove good subjects for such borders and present blooms when old Sol has frizzled up their once gay companions in the op u border. 11.W.D.