THE GARDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 572, 26 January 1929, Page 30

THE GARDEN

BY

LEONARD A. GRIFFITHS, F.R.H.S.,

"i'loicers are the rarest thing God ever made and forgot to put a soul into.” —BEECHER.

ROWERS FOR THE WINTER

VALUE OF ICELAND POPPIES It we were asked for a, vote on the most popular annual, it certainly would rest between the iceland poppy-and the sweet pea. Iceland poppies, like our beautiful peas, have undergone a wonderful improvement since they were first introduced into our gardens. Hybridists have succeeded, far beyond their most sanguine expectations, in converting what was once an ordinary flower of insignificant appearance into some of the most beautiful flowers of the present-day subjects. These charming plants are not at all difficult to grow, and supply an enormous amount of cut flowers for late autumn and winter. SOMETIMES TRICKY TO GERMINATE Many gardeners complain about the poppy seed not germinating. This is a mistake, as iceland poppy seed will germinate readily', but is easily scorched if the full rays of the late summer sun makes direct contact with it. For this reason seed beds should be protected during the germinating period, and for some time after, until the young plants are able to stand the sun and the heat of the surface soil. Just as the tluy seed opens out and the young seedling appears is the most critical time in the life oi a plant, as the heated soil roasts the tiny germ before it has gained sufficient strength. For this reason the seed beds must be protected. Anyone who is fortuuate enough to have a glass-house has very little difficulty in raising the seedlings. We are all' agreed that the hardier the plants are raised the more likely are they to succeed when planted out in the open garden. AFTER-TREATMENT OF SEEDLINGS As soon as the young seedlings are big enough to handle they should be pricked out into a nursery bed into soil of a little richer quality. Spaced about three or four inches apart, the youngsters scon develop fibrous roots and progress rapidly'. After this stage is passed very little | difficulty Is experienced with them, |

and few casualties will occur during the transplanting operation. Iceland poppies will grow in almost any class of soli, providing that it has been sufficiently enriched. A light loam suits them admirably, but many beautiful flowers are produced on the heavier class of soils. Coming into bloom at a time when there is a general scarcity of flowers enhances their value. Though the early sown seed will produce plants that w’ill flower for a considerable time, it is not a wise policy to restrict the sowings. It is only natural that the long strain of flower production would exhaust the plants. Later raised plants should be planted to take the place of those that flower from the late autumn and earlv winter months.

SUNBAKED LAWNS

Duriug the recent spell of dry weather, ample evidence has been given of the devastation that can be wrought in the garden by scorching and howling westerlies. Lawns that were previously a picture of bright verdant growth have been scorched to an ugly brown—flowering plants have wilted and lost a good deal of their lustre—fruit trees have been denuded of blossoms and much of their fruit. In fact only the sturdiest and healthiest of plants will preserve their old appearance. Remedial measux-es are now the' order of the day in most gardens: the j hose and sprinkler are having full play ! and staking operations are being I

THE BEST HOBBY

Almost everyone has a pet hobby of some kind, and probably it is a good thing that everybody does not select the same thing, or the world would not move along. Speaking of hobbies, there is no reason why any should not have one, , or, for that matter, two. We will take ' it for granted that one of them is gardening. Not only should the work of the garden be looked upon as a labour of love, but a pleasant recreaj tion. GOOD RECREATION FOR BRAIN WORKERS i Wliat could be more refreshing to i the tired brain than on lour or two ; among the flowers or vegetables, ! whichever the gardener chooses. Many j business men of to-day could spare a I j little of their early mornings to attend ! ; to the plants. PLEASURE OF HOME-GROWN ARTICLES j What person is not proud to be able j Ito collect the fruits of labour well ] j spent? It does not matter very much j if the crop is not as good as you j j expected. Have another try. and you will pro- : bably surprise yourself. You have i always an even-money chance if you [ back your crop against that ot" your | neighbour.

rushed along in an endeavour to succour at least some of the plants. Such measures will certainly help things along, but a large gap will be found in some plots. After all, prevention is better than cure, and the wise gardener is he who ensures that his plants are kept continually in a healthy, vigorous condition. The easiest method of imparting such health to plants Is to give them their proper supply of nitrogen throughout the various stages of their growth. Probably the best means of providing nitrogen to the soil is by using sulphate of ammonia. This fertiliser promotes quick, sturdy growth and improves the colour and appearance of the foliage. It becomes available to the roots of plants almost immediately after it Is applied, and is not washed out of the soil during" heavy rains or as the result of frequent hosing.