GARDEN NOTES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 310, 24 September 1921, Page 13

GARDEN NOTES

(Bv “Koirhal.”) AUTUMN-FLOWERING PERENNIALS. Rudbeckia.—Rudbeckia newmannia isone of tho prettiest of tho perennial rndbeckins. Rudbeckia golden glow is another showy ono, bearing quantities of yellow flowers like small cactus dahlias- lv beckias like deeply-dug, fairly rl ®?- , J and plenty of sunshine, Their greatest value, perhaps, is that they dry weather well, and this makes them invaluable for districts that have ' hsummers. Perennial rudbeckias ™‘, y .. lifted and divided each spring, and tne outside pieces planted back again. _m Chrysanthemums.—Chrysanthemums win grow well in quite ordinary soil Providert it has been well dug. If possible so me well-rotted vegetable rubbish should be dug in. Work a little bonedust into the soil where each plant is to go. As soon as the plants aro well established, water the roots with a little weak nitrate of sodar-about Joz. in pne gallon of water. This will give tho plants a good start, and help them to make good growth be fort hot weather sets in Strong wellgrown plants are more likely to resist dis ease than weakly ones. A few plants of the early flowering variety should be grown, for they begin flowering early 11 tho autumn at a time when flo-nera aro* rather scarce. . Montbretias.—Montbretias like a sunny position, but a cool root-run. Ihese two reouisites are difficult to obtain natur unless one possesses a stream or a P with a sunny bank. But tho sunny nos - tion can bo obtained by everyone without any trouble, and the cool root-run can bo had by taking the trouble to dig t.v> ground deeply, and to hnrv a supply ot decayed vegetable rubbish, for tho hulbi to root into. The bulbs increase so rapidly that they should not be left in the ground longer than two years 'without being Lifted and divided. Montbretias look beautiful when grown In BTOUPS in a mixed border, and they pro very effective when planted on the edge of native bush, o.- along the banks of a stream. If lelt too long in one place, the plants become overcrowded, ami stunted growth ana email flowers are the result. , . Heliotrope.—This is a delightful plant to grow for tho intense fragrance of the flowers pervaaes the whole. garden, it grows easily out of doors if given a sunny position sheltered from cold winds. A mulch of well-rotted manure placed rouna old-established plants now will serve as a fine tonic. Plants may bo raised from seed sown early in spring in a hot-house or warm frame, or they may bo obtained from cuttings of tho young shoots. Cuttings of heliotrope root very easily if they are inserted firmly in sandy soil, as soon as young plants are about eight or nine inches high the tops should be pinched out to encourage bushy growth. Goidtm Rod (Solidago Virgaureal.-Golden Rod will grow well in any ordinary soil provided it has been well dug, but the Weal soil for it is a damp, peaty one. When grown in bold groups in such a soil, and in semi-shade, Golden Rod is indeed beautiful, and its soft yellow flowers make a gay splash of colour in tne autumn garden. It is propagated by dividing Mie clumps in autumn after flowering. Sedum (btonecrop).—The Japanese stonecrop is a plant that must be grown in bold masses before it can bo really appreciated. Then, its big flat bunches of rosecoloured flowers seen above tho thick fleshy loaves make a picture that one does not) forget. There are two varieties worth growing, Spectablle, and Atropurpureum. Stonecrops should be planted in bold groups near the front of the herbaceous border in woll-dug, light, welidrained soit, and the plants should be left undisturbed. The flowering season is a long ono. The plants are propagated by division of the clumps at the 4md of the autumn. Aconituin Witsotiii. —Tins is a valuable plant for the herbaceous border, lor the long spikes of paia blue flowers begin flowering towards the end of the summer, and flower well Into tho autumn, especially if the main spikes aro prevented from seeding. Any well-dug soil seems to satisfy the plant. Well-grown plants reach a height of five feet. Belladonna Lilies—The soil for Bellodonnd lilies should bo well dug, and should have mixed with it some' well-rot-ted vegetable rubbish and some sharp sand. When planting the bulbs work a. little bonerlust into the soil, and give the 'bulbs a layer of sand to rest on. Belladonna lilies are among ttio most beautiful of the autumn/ flowers. Clusters of large trumpet-shaped flowers are borne at the head of a long, straight stem, tho colours ranging from pure white through all tho shades of pink and rose to scarlet and dark rod. They aro splendid for cut flowers, for they last for a long time in water. Ncrines.—Norines aro very much like belladonna lilies, but, the flowers aro smaller and are brilliant scarlet in colour. A sunny position and a light, sandy soil sutt'the plants well. As soon as tho flower buds appear water should be given freely.

VEGETABLES. MARROWS, PUMPKINS, MELONS. Seeds of marrows, pumpkins, and metone may bo sown now either in seed pans or in the. open ground. It is a good plan to make a sowing in both ways ns one is sure then of hating plenty of plants. Ilrose that are sown in nans may he planted out later on pctwoen the rows of main-crop potatoes. Those that are to be sown in the open now should be sown In prepared heaps or boles. The soil must have n. good quantity of well-decayed manure, vegetable rubbish, or "stack bottom" mixed with it. As toon mi the seedlings appear through the ground tney should be covered at night till all danger of frost is over. Pumpkins, melons all love to send their vines climbing up a grassy bank, or Hi utid out among rows ot maize or earthed-up potatoes. Some gardeners always sow a tew seels ot maize among their pumpkins, etc. MAIN-CROP POTATOES. Main-crop potatoes may be planted at any time now provided they are weil sprouted. Two of the strongest sprouts should then be left while the others should be rubbed put. Tl’.e sprouts at the top of the potato are the best. Open out tne trenches on a warm sunny morning, and as soon as the soil In them is rhoroughiy sun-warmed, plant the seed tubers. If some thoroughly decayed manure or some good soil trom a compost heap can bo laid in the bottom of the tranches, so much the better, A snrinklmg of wood ashes should also be added. Have the tubers, when planted, just below the surface of tne soil, and one foot apart In the trenches. The rows should be at least eighteen incites apart. LETTUCES. Small sowings of lettuces should be imide at frequent intervals. At this time of year it is better to bow the seed thinly in drills, afterwards thinning out the plants to one foot apart. As noon nu the seedlings are up f.bcy uhould he hurried on by means of diligent noeing, and by fortnightly doses of liquid manure, loz. of nitrate of soda in one gallon of water, implied after a good watering or after a shower of rain. As noon as tho soil is sufficiently dry again the hoe must nt once ho brought, into use. Leiwen should bo grown on deeply-dug. but firm, soil. They noart more quickly IT their roots are kept near the surface, hence the necessity tor making tho soil firm. PARSLEY. Parsley seed Is slow to germinate, and should therefore bo conked in-warm water before being sown. The plants should bo thinned out to about six Inches apart as Boon as they are big enough. SEEDS TO BE SOWN. In Seed Pans.—Tomato, celery, cucumber, Capo gooseberries, melon, pumpkin, and marrow. In tho open ground.—Beet, onion, radish, carrot, turnip, peas, broad beans. French beans, parsnip, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, , In seed beds.—Brussels sprouts and early Broccoli. Garden Notes next week will contain (seasonable notes about:—Hardy rock plants, routine work, and vegetables.

LECTURE AT SEATOUN

Under the auspices of the Seatoun and Rava’ Progressive Association. Mr. H. P. ftawfion delivered an InterePtins: lecture on “Tho Garden} How and What to Grow in Spatnun.” before an audience of over 60 reeidentß and visitors. in the Tea- Kios»C last eveninc. The Bev. H. T. Indie presided, owing: to tho absence of the president. Mr. A. W. Parton, and introduced the speaker, pointins: out* that with 30 vearft* local experience the lecturer would hn able to give his audience much pro.cfical advice. Mr. Bawaon then addreaaed the srs-thoring on how and what to grow, always keeping in mind the exposed situation of Reatoun to prevalent nortliorly winds, and that only hardy plants would be Rucccsaful, unless under or in good shelter. Jutrt what could be produced in the sandy formation, with the addition of humus, was remarkable, said the lecturer, and wonderful samples of both flowers and vegetables were to be seen at any time. The lecturer answered many Questions at the close of his address, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The chairman announced that the association would shortly make public, details of a competition in garden work nmo/ipt. residents, «evera] donations for prize* being: already in view. .After a vote of thanks to Mrs. Bakin, of the Kiosk, for the free use r.f her room, the meetinc closed.