HINTS FOR GARDENERS

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 12, 2 April 1952, Page 6

HINTS FOR GARDENERS

(By

Flora)

At this time of the year we ar« rather inclined to lose interest in our garcfens; especially after1 the drying winds we experienoed last week, which left our gardens wilting. But we must not despair; but prepare for the seasons ahead. Let us this week tum to roses, and surely they have been rightly named the Queen of Flowers. Although the Taupo soil and climate may not be ideal conditions for these plants; it is amazing how well they will do with a little care and forethought, And. I am sure yon will be thrilled with the results if you set aside a small corner for planting them this winter. Now is the time to send in your order. It is best . to choose those roses1 that have proved their worth, when grown here. The following is a small list of the latter. Pride of place must be given (to "Peace," a relatively newcomer. A raarvellously strong, up-right grower; and ihe flowers are a joy, deep eream edged with pink ideal for picking as it has a stiff stem. McCready's Yellow, a beautiful rose. Eclipse, yellow without shading. Crimson Glory, a sweet-scented erimson. Marie Dot, although a pernetiana does well in Taupo; a crushed strawberry colour. The Doctor, a pleasing pink, lovely when fully blown. Grand Duchess Charlotte, reddish brown, inside, petals tomato red. Hugh Dixon, deep red, sweetly seented. Etoile de Hollande, rich red, a good perfume. Sweetness, apricot on a yellow ground. Sutter's Gold, another strong grower, pleasing foliage. Catherine Kordus, reddish pink, often a prize winner. The next six listed are lovely roses; but I have not grown them In Taupo. Texas Centennial, blood red toning. . Mrs Sam McCready, apricot inside, red out-side. McCready^s Pink, rose pink with yellow back. Golden Dawn, light yellow; has world-wide reputation. Editor McFarland, bright rose a free bloomer. Brazier, red with flame shading. The hybrid poffantha roses are very popular, in fact some folk think that without doubt they are the best for bedding purposes as they give a ttremendous amount of bloom during ihe period that roses are bloorping. And they seem easy to grow. Betty Prior, is a dark carmine, a j vigorous bushy grower. Donald Prior, bright scarlet. Dusky Maiden, a sweetly scented. rose, glowing scarlet. Frensham, red. ' Springtime, rose pink. Yellows are rather scarce in this class but one called Goldilocks is particularly lovely. I am sure / a bed of these six would give untold pleasure. Choose the srte for the rose-bed with care. Shelter is essential; but do not have a spot where the air cannot circulate freely. The beds must not be shaded, or spindly grrowth will resufii I think a

northerly aspect is the best in Taupo. Otlierwuse our cold southerlies in the spring will severly check the newr gro'with, df at all exposed. Next week we will consider the work required for the preparation of our bed.