VIOLETS.

Shannon News, 1 August 1924, Page 3

VIOLETS.

HOW TO GROW THEM,

In most gardens violets are only just beginning their fragrant flowers, but already we must think about the propagating of plants for new borders It is always a saf e plan to plant a new border of violets in some part of the garden every year. Established plants at thio time of the year begin to send, out long bare runners from the centre oil the plant, and if these are cut off and planted in sandy soil they will be ready for plant-, ing out before the hot weather sets in. One or two runners may be pegged down and allowed to root, but as the strength of the parent plant is wanted at present to produce the flowers it is better to remove the cuttings and root them elsewhere. As soon as you have all the cuttings you need, keep all others severely cut off till flowering is ovjr.

In the meantime prepare the ground for the new plants. This is all the better for being trenched to a depth of 18 inches. In heavy clay soils add plenty of decayed vegetable matter to the bottom spit, as well as road grit or coarse sand. To tne top soil add leaf soil or decayed rubbish from the heap, coarse sand and a dressing of' basic slag. Very poor sandy soil may have decayed cow manure worked into it if possible, or plenty of decayed rubbish from therein). %

Planting should take place not latter than the end of September, as this allows the plants to become established before.hot dry wtather sets in.

Violets man nave a sunny position, especially if they are to flower early. The ideal position for them is one where.they get the full force of the morning s un, and are slightly shaded at noon.

To get violet plants to flower well and early all runners should be Cut off and decayed leaves should be removed at' once. Keep the soil along the rows well stirred and during dry hot weather water the plants well. Amateur gardeners are apt to overlook the fact that plants may need a good watering even at this time of the year. During a long spell of frosty weather and line sunny days plants become very dry at the roots, especially such plants as violets, anemones, daphne, and winter flowering stock. The life of a violet border is three or four years. To git good flowe-n; during the third and fourth years, the plants should have a little of the top soil removed after flowering is over, and a layer of good soil from a compost heap may take it:-* place. The roots soon find their way into this new soil.

Plants- should be fed at regular intervals throughout the flowering' season with soot water.

Use "NAZOL" and -you won't keep a bad cold or sore throat above a day or two. Acts like a charm. Sixty doses .1/6.*