GARDENING NOTES.

Shannon News, 30 September 1924, Page 4

GARDENING NOTES.

Annuals. One of the most pressing needs of the mome’nt is the selection of annual flowering plants and the making out of "seed lists. It will possibly be helpful to draw attention to some .good things that may possibly be overlooked. It will be safe to sow seeds of most annuals now. Annuals will always remain popular, their usefulness in colour schemes, combined with a lengthy flowering period, makes them indespehsable for Ailing the garden with bright colour for a very small outlay. Both tall and lowgrowing varieties shoqld be selected. The tall African marigolds are most useful for a background in the open borders, using them in massed effects, also the beautiful salpiglossis, which should never be forgotten. The colourings are mostly gold, mahogony, crimson and purple, all toning happily together. In the foreground the beautiful brilliant orange dimorphothecas could -be planted combined with clumps of the new bronze shades of eschscholtziaa, and if a border is needed*, use the beautiful bronze shades, in pdnsies. Most charming is a combination of blue and purple colourings. Nothing shows to more advantage in the back ground of a border than the lovely blue and purple toned delphiniums, the new hybrids, with their long-blooming periods combined With their immense height have added much to their popuJ larity; also the blue larkspurs and blue.lupins blend well; while for bordering the falry-like blue nemesia or the lovely blue lobelia may be used. The newer blue lace flower (didiscus loeruleus) which .is a native of Western Australia, has rapidly advanced in popularity. The plants attain a height of two feet, and are carried on long stout stems, the blossoms being composed of small florets with exquisite shades of blue colourings, combining a long-flowering season, while the blooms, where used as cut flowers, last fully a fortnight. The blue salvia also make a very showy and attractive border plant. Brighter .and more ‘ 1 striking border effects may be had with the aid of the , scarlet salvias, clarkia’s, phlox; drummondi, dwarf nasturtiums, nemesias, the small bedding petunias, and bright

scarlet alonsoas. The latter is a little gem unsurpassed for colour and continuous blooming, and most useful for decorative work. There is a splendid poppy that seems always to be forgotten, namely,' the tulip poppy (P. Glauoum). As the name indicates, the blossoms are tulip-shaped, the flowers being large and showy, of deepest scarlet. Its attractive glaucous buds and foliage place it amongst the most brilliant of its kind, and it certainly is deser/ing of a place in every garden. It does best sown during the autumn months, but in suitable positions also does well when spring sown. The interesting night-scented stock is also almost always forgotten. It has no effect in th e daytime, as the flowers are no size, and are of a dull pinkish, brownish colour, and remain closed till dusk. But when the light is gone they open widely, filling the air with most delicious scent. They are quite easily grown, presenting vao difficulties to tile amateur. Colour in the Garden. ■ The flowering peaches are now making a charming spring display in colours of striking rose and palest pink, the two making an exquisite i combination. Specimen trees ofi;en attain a height of twenty fleet, and when in full bloom are a magnificent isight. The many species of what is more. commonly known as flowering mays are also bursting into bloom. Colourings are mostly white and pale pink, both double and single varieties. The deciduous mangolia (tulip tree) is now a lovely mass of bloom, also an attractive wine-coloured species. Spring flowering ericas; are also to be seen, ■ while beds of anemones and ranunculus are a riot of colour. Beds of ’ hyacinths and freesias are filling the air with fragrant perfume. Later, the stately gorgeous tulips and beautiful irises will be filling thegap between the narcissi and the rose blooming lperiod. Hoots of our charming native clematis, which have bedn transplanted to the woodland garden are now opening their masses of lovely snowy blooms, and are always among the earliest welcomers of spring. Work for the Week. I

Pla’nt tomato, cabbage, Cauliflower, lettuce and onion plants. Sow seeds of tomato carrot, parsnip, onion, lettuce radish, mustard, cress, celery, sweet corn, pumpkin, marrow, and cucumber, peas, broad beans, ■ and a few French beans and runner beans. Keep all ground around plants well hoed to admit air and sunshine. The plants will quickly respond and make rapid growth. ■ In the flower garden seeds may be sown of all annuals and biennials, also plants of all varieties may safely be lifted and planted in their permanent quarters.

Delphiniums are now making nice strong shoots and must be well protected from the inroads of the troublesome slug. The’latter are also a source of annoyance to the chrysanthemum grower. Sawdust is. very useful for laying around the roots as a protection against such pests. Detach the’ young shoots from chrysanthemums and plant in beds or pots. Later on they may be transplanted in their permanent places. Keep sweet peas well trained and sow clumps or rows for a summer display. /Gladioli bulbs may be planted, and if a little extra trouble is taken over the operation the extra size of your blooms will tend to,make you feel amply repaid. Dig out the soil in the same manner as post hoies are dug, filling in with a rich compost of loam, and manure; press firmly and plant about four bulbs. If desiroug of prolonging the flowering period, plant a few bulbs at fortnightly intervals. The roses will be making rapid growth and a good mulching of manure must be applied, if hot already done, if good exhibition blooms are wanted. In fact, all deciduous shrubs and trees benefit largely if a good mulching of manure is applied at this time of the year.