THE GARDEN.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 23 April 1920, Page 4

THE GARDEN.

Roses From Cuttings.—When it is desired to grow roses from cuttings, select matured growths. These should be about 10 or ll! inches in length, and have a "heel," i.e., a piece of the parent stem attached at the base, as the cuttiugs will root more readily if taken this way. JS'o buds need be cut off the stem. ' The best place for the cuttings is under a south wall or fence, a a fairly rich soil which has been well prepared, and if some sharp grit is added when the ground is dry. so much the better. The cuttings can be placed in a "nick" or trench seven inches deep, or they can be inserted c ttli the aid of a dibber, and the soil made quite Jinn around each one. ll is a good method to put a quantity of grit in the bottom of the trench or hole, and the base of the cuttings should rest on this. A distance, of IS inches should be allowed between the tows and six inches between the cuttings. They should be left in this position until the following autumn, when they will have rooted, and may be planted where they are needed, ll is important that the plants should nol lie allowed lo flower from the lime they arc inserted until (bey are transplanted in their permanent quarters. l'tflyanlluis.—Thc:e shov.ld now bo .planted out. where they are to flower. To gel the hi :! re suit , the ground must be deeply worked, and have a libera! quantity of leaf soil well miicd with the top spit. for these moistureloving plants the soil should be only moderately firm. Annuals.—Any annual., which were ov 11 la. t month must now be carefully thinned. lire thinning need no! be •Ira.tic, a- some oi the piantlets are me to die before the winter is over, it I hey arc over-crowded in spring it ill be an easy matter to thin them hen. Daring winter they must be •■:< pt free from all dead leaves and litter, and have the Dutch hoe run through amongst them when the so:! is fairly dry. Belladonna Lilies. — Whenever the flower stems of these wither the bulbs can be lifted, divided, and replanted. They flower well only in a site facing the sua. At Ihe foot of a wall or fence is an ideal spot. They revel in good soil, but the drainage must be good, as they rarely do well in a water-logged place. While the foliage is growing, plenty of moisture, both clear aid liquid form, can be applied.

Violas:.—To provide a display in spring and early summer, viola- should be planted out soon. If the soil is light, a good dressing Of well-rotted stable manure will be beneficial. Heavy land can be given some lightening material, such as leal'-inouhl, instead. As well as being splendid subjects tor edging, they are also grand when planted in a mass, especially so when edged with a distinct colour.