FUCHSIAS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 122, 13 August 1927, Page 26

FUCHSIAS

TI-lEIR NEW VARIETIES Fuchsias have been in cultivation for many years and at one time was the reigning favourite in the garden. They were first named after Leonard Fuchs, a German botanist of great renown. The varieties known are endless, comprising of doubles, singles and variegated foliaged species. Of recent years the fuchsias have gradually died out

from our modern gardens. This should not be as they are worthy of a place in any mansion. Many of the new hybrid varieties are not grown because they are not known to the general public. One variety worthy of merit is called Bronsted. This grows in a compact bush about 4ft. high with bronzed foliage and large pendular flowers of a crimson scarlet hue. These flowers are borne in clusters of 12 or more and the tree continues to bloom for nine months of the year. (See photo.)

As a lawn specimen this variety is unexcelled as it does not grow ragged and woody like its many brothers. Other varieties under the hybrid list are gracilis, a dainty leafed bush growing about 3ft. with variegated foliage margined white and sunray, a beautiful dwarf variety with gorgeous colouring and shadings in the leaves. This variety is not as hardy as the two previous species and will require a more shaded position. Fuchsias require practically no cultivation. Plant in moderately rich ground protected from any bitterly cold winds. An occasional hoeing round the tree and the application of super and blood and bone will always keep this tree in good condition. Occasionally after flowering a light pruning may be required to keep the bush neat and compact.

! tity of soot in a piece of sacking, tie the corners of this together and sus- ! pend it in a tub holding 36 gallons of : water. Let it soak for five days, giving ! the bag an occasional poke with a j stick so as to help in extracting as ; much of the goodness from the manure ! as possible. TOMATO SEEDLINGS HOW TO RAISE THEM I The tomato (hycopersicum cseulenium), or love apple, derived its name from lukos, a wolf, and persicum, a peach. This popular garden vegetable is a native of South America and now extensively cultivated for its fruit. In addition to their having become indispensable as a daily article of diet the fruits also possess medicinal properties which render them desirable as a remedy for affections of the liver or other organs where calomel is prescribed. Seeds may be sown now in boxes for producing early plants for bedding out at a later date. The raising of tomato seedlings is comparatively easy* work providing the proper attention is given them during growing stages. Sow the seeds thinly in a box of fine, sandy soil. A layer of manure at the bottom of the box and plenty of drainage is essential. The sand helps the young seedlings with their rooting and thus makes it easy when transplanting takes place. After placing the soil in the box or pan, level off, and sow the seeds thinly on the surface. On no account be tempted to sow thickly. If your seed is reliable the thinner you sow the better and sturdier the plants will be. In covering do not bury the seed, a quarter inch of finely-sifted soil is all that is required. Press the soil firmly down after covering and water with a fine can. There are many varieties now offered by the seedsmen, but it will take a long time before the popular market favourite, Carter’s Sunrise, Klondike Red and Holmes Supreme are equalled! for private gardens any of the above sorts are desirable. When the plants are nearly 2in. high they will require pricking off or thinning 1 out to 3in. apart in another box or seed tray. Never let the young seedlings become too dry at any stage. It is also equally important not to overwater and saturate the soil as this will cause a mildew or damping off and all your weeks of care and attention will be wasted.