THE FLOWER GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 19788, 11 February 1928, Page 19

THE FLOWER GARDEN

The budding of roses should be completed as soon as possible, because better results are attained when the sap is flowing- freely to the extremities, and not when the sap is going down. Budding is best done in dull weather after there has been rain. The branches of tree lupins should be trimmed back after flowering, and the same remark applies also_ to all herbaceous plants, from which decayed stalks should be removed. Dahlias should be securely tied, and all withered flowers removed, as by so doing a much longer period of flowering is secured than if the flowers are left on the plants to seed. Dahlias are gross feeders, and will take a lot of liquid manure when doing well. If show blooms are desired disbudding must be attended to as well as the liquid feeding. While chrysanthemums do not need an enclosed position during the summer, it is certainly a mistake to place them where they are exposed to every wind that blows, as the foliage is bound to be damaged, and more than likely many of the branches will be broken. See to the staking and tie the branches regularly. Chrysanthemums in pots must be carefully watered and- attended to, as good results cannot bo obtained if they are allowed to wilt lor want of water. Liquid feeding may bo commenced when the pots are full of roots, and the first doses should ho very weak, increasing the strength gradually, but never too strong. Soot water is excellent, also, and this should be alternated with the liquid manure occasionally. Keep an eye open for caterpillars, and if the green or black fly makes an appearance dust the plants with tobacco powder or spray with M'Dougall’s aphis wash.

Except where it is desired to save seed, immediately remove all flowers as they fade, as by" so doing you conserve the energy in the plant and almost invariably prolong the period of flowering. This remark applies particularly to such plants as the-sweet pea, poppies, pansies, violas, and many others. In recent years there has been a marked improvement in gladiolas, and the attractive colors and improved forms make this charming flower even more acceptable. These will now require more attention by way of staking, and shading must be resorted to to get the best results for show purposes. If weather conditions should he suitable, take the opportunity to plant out biennials that are ready, and see that the young plants do not want for moisture.

Summer and early autumn is quite a suitable time to get in seeds of certain annuals and biennials. The resulting plants come into bloom earlier than the annuals sown in spring, and provide the necessary supply of flowers and also color in the garden at a period when there is generally a gap after the profuse display of spring and early summer.