THE FLOWER GARDEN

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 49, 20 November 1937, Page 11

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Seasonable Ideas. Of all the seasons of the year" spring is the busiest in the garden kingdom. Countless kinds of gaily coloured annuals and perennials are awaiting your attention. Here are a few of the best and most popular .varieties to set. Asters. Seed of this popular flower mgy still be sown in boxes for transplanting later. Early jdants are availalble now for those who require them. Ostrich Plume and Comet are the. two. ;b.est soxts to grow. Mix White Island sul--phur with the soil before .planting. Antiitriiintim (or Snapdragon)t/f. Set plants .at once of this hardy plant for blooming about Christmas and New Year. Tango and Teraeotto shades can now be obtained and are a step above tho ordinary waishy. colours. Semi-dwarf are best for bedding. Plant out nine inches apart for thick masses. Calliopsls. The- Drummpndi and .Tinct'oria types if planted now will flower in a few weeks. Set the plants 12 inches apart. Bo'th ara useful' for table decoration and both are "annuals, The - Grandiflora. type will not flower till next season if planted now, and bo leave tuntil the autumn , Seed can stlll be sown. • Cosmos, In large gardens these should be very welcome, as they grow quickly and a few plants £11 up a great space. Both double and single can be had. Set the plants in groups of three in odd corners or at the back of wide borders. Seeds may still be sown and should be in full bloom foi- Easter, Marigolds, African. These are splendid massing together on a rockery. The flowers are useless for picking, but Teturn a blaze of colour through the summer mouths. Set the plants nine inches apart for a massed effect. Seeds can be sown for some time yet if a second crop is desired, Zinnias. This should bo one of the month's special sowings. Plant the seeds in boxes and keep well watered until ready for planting out. Seedlings are now being' offered by dealers, but there is no hurry for a few weeks. Early planted zinnias are always disappointing and never last in flower so long as those planted later. Seeds of the following can now be sowp ; Portulacca, Celocia, salvia, sunflower, -verbena, phlox, coekscomb, heliotrope, nasturtium, penstemon dianthus, and balsam.