AN OLD FAVOURITE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 74, 18 June 1927, Page 16

AN OLD FAVOURITE

SWEET LAVENDER t Lavender has always been one of the Elnglishman’s favourite “herbs,” and there are few gardens which do not boast at least a few plants; in some it is grown in quantity, and during summer months the lavender hedge or border Ul one of the delights of the garden. Lavender is invariably grown from cuttings, and these are best taken in February and March. After the flowers have been removed, the shrubs ought to be clipped! into a neat and tidy shape; this, at the same time, ensures a sufficiency of cuttings when they are needed six weeks to two months later. Cuttings consist of shoots broken off with a heel; practically every one will root if firmlyplanted in sandy . soil. If they are from 6in. to 12in. when taken they will soon grow into large bushes. Smaller cuttings taken in the orthodox method by cutting below a leaf joint can be rooted more readily in a frame. Rooted cuttings may be planted out in spring. Growers who wish to plant a lavender hedge often plant the cuttings directly where they are to grow. Plant such cuttings 9in. apart, but thin out to double that distance at the end of the second or third year. As for all other garden plants, the land in which lavender has to be grown should be well tilled beforehand and enriched by the addition of a moderate dressing of manure. If hot, fiery soils an annual mulch of short manure may be spread round the bushes, or a little may be dug in near them. THE SHASTA DAISY No kind of plant has given better results for flowering borders than the Shasta daisy. It will grow in any kind of soil, but prefers light loam; and, if given occasional heavy waterings, will flower for months. It belongs to the herbaceous type, and after the plants are two years old the clumps can be subdivided into at least half a dozen. They are heavy feeders and the soil should be enriched with fertiliser when they are set out. The flowering can be prolonged and the blooms improved if the dead flowers are cut oft before they wither. POTATO ONION The potato onion is invaluable to the home grower. It is a great cropper, producing from six to twenty mild, finely-flavoured onions on each stem. Its chief advantage is that the crop is produced before other varieties are available. While it does best in rich, loamy soil which has been well and deeply worked, it can be grown in any well-drained garden soil. Allow two feet between the rows and set the bulbs about one foot apart.