LINARIA

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 78, 24 December 1937, Page 10

LINARIA

This genus for the most part consistg of annuals well adapted for ornamenting rock-work. It is oue of the pmuy little-known plants that help to build up a seedsman's catalogue. But just bqcause it has not receiyed the boost to which it is justly entitled, it romains, together with other many little-known gems in obscurity until some sympathetic soul expounds its virtues before the gardening fraternity. To the uninitiated we will attempt a description. Linaria, sometimes cailed ' ' Toadflax, ' ' is a sweetly dainty annual, somewhat resembling a miniature snapdragon, Tbe plant grows in pretty compact bushes from 12 to 15 inches high, and is admirably adapted for general garden decoration. For mass beds and borders it has few equals and as already stated cons.titutes a most serviceable plant for rocker'ea, and in localities where the soil is inclined to be shallow. The blooms which are borne in great profusion, not only enhanee tbe charm and beauty of the garden in general, but are ideally adapted for eut flowers and' house adornmebt. The colours are distinetive and striking, and the types more or less varied in aceordance witb their own individual peculiarities. Although safely transplantable, thq seedlings are rarely offered for sale. Fortunately the seed is extremely oasy to rgise, and we would at all times advige this method of propagatiou. The seed may be ?own in warm aituations almost any time of tbe year, Quite a variety of soils guvt tbe dajnty little aunual and ff there is any preference we wguld favonr q sandy Joam. Whgteyer the gronnd ig deeided upon it should enjov full suojigbt gnd' have the surface soil well bypken up, with a liberal incorporation of wellrotted oreanic manure. Work the top few inches up to a fine tilth to receive the seed, whieh should be broadcasted evenly, but sparingly. The best way to accomplish this is to mix your seed with goodly portion of fine sand prior to sowing which ensures a more even distribution. Press it in gently with a flat board or spade. A good saturation completes the operation, When the seedlings are six inches high, the centre shoot or "leader7' should be pinehed out, an action which at once entices the plant to "stool" and develop into a neat, compact bush, AU plants so treated should be given space at least nine inches apart. Should a tgll, spindlv growth be desirod the distance may be considerably less. Whon grown in laj-ge pots or receptacles, linavias make a most welcome and attractive display for table decoration. For window boxes they are unrivalled.