PLANTS IN TUBS AND VASES

Evening Star, Issue 22454, 26 September 1936, Page 23

PLANTS IN TUBS AND VASES

decorative value The decorative value of ornamental vases, even in small gardens, is not often fully realised, although they may be seen in many of the larger gardens. There are, however, many situations where they may be used to great advantage. For example, they are never out of place when flanking the front or back entrance to the residence, on either side of walks or pillars, and m conspicuous parts of the garden (says the Auckland ‘ Herald ’). Tubs may vary in size, but it is not advisable to have them painted in light colours. A pleasing shade of olive green or a warm brown are examples of neutral shades that will not offend the eye. The use of pedestal vases is naturally more restricted in the small garden, but there are situations where one or two will add to the attractiveness of the scheme —in the centres of ornamental beds or on a low wall dividing one portion of the garden from another. With either tubs or vases good drainage is the first essential. Three or four inches of broken crocks or scoria should bp placed over the drainage holes, and above this may be arranged a layer of turf fibres to prevent the finer soil from sifting down and choking the outlet. As the roots are naturally somewhat restricted a tolerably rich compost must be provided. Good turfy loam is the staple ingredient. If the loam is poor in quality one half of old manure will provide nourishment. Dried cow manure is also good, but it should be rubbed through a half-inch mesh sieve, while two shovelfuls of wood ash may be added from the garden fire. Vases are best filled with the general run of summer plants, and then replanted in autumn with bulbs and spring flowering plants. Many vases do not hold a great deal of soil, therefore the lives of annual plants are of short duration unless the soil is kept moist and the plants fed when thoroughly established. A popular choice for permanent planting is the hydrangea, and particularly some of the newer varieties. They make magnificent specimens for tubs where they may remain for several years. This also applies to the agapanthus umbellatus, both the blue and white varieties. Like all strong-rooting subjects, these will appreciate generous applications of liquid manure or a little fertiliser.