GARDEN NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 52, 4 March 1944, Page 8

GARDEN NOTES

(Bv Ngaio.) Complete the planting of all tvinter vegetables as soon as possible, while the ground is in a good condition to start them off, and then you will be able to turn your attention to the spring planting in the flower garden with, a clear conscience. If annuals are looking very tasked after stormy weather you had better remove them and prepare the ground for the next thing rather than hold on to shabby plants. Dig or fork the ground well adding something in the way ot nourishment such as manure, grass clippings or compost, or failing these, a dressing of blood and bone worked in to the surface soil do not put fertilisers in too deeply where they will get washed down below the reach of the roots ot young plants. Anemones are the first of the bulbous plants to go in, and the sooner they are established the better chance you have of early blooms. They like a free soil, well worked and also a soil with a good lime content; choose a warm sheltered corner away from cold winds and see that they have good drainage as they have a great objection to cold wet ground oucc they are through they should be kept well cultivated and the soil round them constantly aerated. Ranauneulus and anemones seem to go together in most people’s minds, but if is too early yet for ranunculus, which do much better if left till later. Narcissi of all kinds should be put in as soon as possible as they like a long period in growing their roots before they appear above ground; some of the dwarf types arc very charming such as the hoop petticoat ('bulbicodium) and Anne’s jonquil these are small bulbs easily lost or dug in in a large border, but they can be safely put in a pocket of the rockery and seeds can be so\Vn on top of them for summer blooming. Laclienalia are very bright for the spring and their brown and golden colourings combine well with grape hyacinths to make a very attractive border —mix the two kinds of bulbs together before planting and you arc sure to be pleased with the result. Tritonias, Sparaxias and Babianas can all be left till a later date if that suits you better tulips are another thing which need not be put in yet April or even May will do for them. In planting spring bulbs do try and give them as natural a look as possible; put them in places where they can be put in groups or scattered irregularly rather than planted in stiff rows use them as “carpets” beneath shrubs or trees plant them in the orchard or any odd corners you can think of build up garden pictures as you go which will give you much pleasure when they unfold in the spring.