GARDENING NOTES.

Shannon News, 27 April 1928, Page 1

GARDENING NOTES.

Seasonable Routine Work, Recent showers have proved moat welcome to gardeners who have been waiting for just such an Opportumtj to press on with planting-out work and the sowing of seeds, while the freshened appearance of lawns and borders combined with the rapid giowth of many plants have added a zest to gardening which was lacking during the hot, dry days. ' ~ ' The fullest advantage should be taken of these improved conditions, for the beauty of the early spring garden depends on the preparations made now. '

Planting of all descriptions, whether it be hardy annuals, perennials, hedge plants or evergreen shrabs, together with all manner of bulbous subjects, may be undertaken now.

Lift and divide kniphofias (Ted hot pokers). These are lovely when boldly grouped in a shrubbery or by the side of a poiid or stream. The best results arc obtaii ed when they are planted in a fairly rich but cool and well drained soil, although they do very well in any ordinary garden soil. Clumps of agapanthus may bo treated in the same way. These evergreen subjects are remarkably useful for filling in rough, bare spaces to which little time can be devoted. They will bear quantities ot large trusses of Blue or white flowers and require very little' aUectici. ■■

Plant oriental poppies. These bloom very early and better su?ocsa is assurt d if they arc allowed to get. pwell roittd before blooming time apl 1? roaches. These hold handsome' flowers are a glowing addition to the Spring Plant {.nd divde all manner of edging plants. Lift and divide polyanthus whe’-e this is.’ necessary..-’ The earlier it Is done the better, for it enables the plants to got well rooted before they are ca. vl upon to j. reduce blooms. Chrysanthemums are calling for special attention in the way of liquid manuring, budding, and covering up from the weather where exhibition blooms are wanted.-

Dahlias appear to be fairly ■ free from caterpillars this season, although occassional green grass-hop-pers are found feeding on the young buds.

. Continue sowing seeds of hardy annuals and perennials, also ’sweet peas The Vegetable Garden,

It is not too late to make a sowing of short horn carrots, parsnip, turnip, and beet for spring use.

Sow lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, onion, spinach and silver beet.

Pay special attention to drainage and the elevation of your plots, bearing in mind the wet days of winter and early spring.

Make use of a dry piece of ground near a plantation of trees for the growing of early vegetables. Store onions, pumpkins, and marcrop potatoes. Plant out a few shallots and potato onions, and strike cuttings of herbs. Colour in the Garden. The dearth of flowers during the exceptionally hot summer months has left us very appreciative of the beauties of the autumn garden. Many of our plants are blooming very freely seemingly aware of their summer deficiencies. The graceful cosmeas form one of the prettiest sights in the garden, while zinnias, marigolds, calendulas and: sallias, scarlet and blue, are all adding a wealth of colour to the borders. Rose borders are quite gay with late autumn blooms, which somehow, seem more sweetly scented and more richly coloured than those of early summer Stately dahlias are massed with bloom, while chrysanmunis show plump buds and partly opened blooms. Iceland poppies and ahtirrihinums are making another brave display of gorgeous colouring, with glowing gaillardias to tone. Autumn colourings are gradually showing among deciduous shubs. The beautiful feathery spikes of the pampas grass kre commencing to decorate the pleasure grounds, and bold groups are showing to advantage near ponds and streams. Annuals that Flower Profusely. No one in these days who has a garden need have it Otherwise than attractive during early spring and summer if use is made of the hardy annuals. Even if the garden is handicapped in the beginning with poor soil there is no need to allow it to become unattractive, as many of tie (Continued on Page 4).