OUR TAUPO GARDENS

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 26, 9 July 1952, Page 5

OUR TAUPO GARDENS

THE HERBACEOUS BORDER

(By

^Flora,.")

Herbaceous perennials are particularly useful for filling awkward corners where their varied growth, tal.1 or spreading can be utilized to the full. As perennials die down annually, they are easy to lift and move in the'dormant season. They are easily increased, since most of them develop larger and larger root systems, which can be split into several portions. When planning this border a few thoughts should be kept in mind: (1) — Plants, should be of varying height and of different habit of growth, so that ta.ll leggy plants such as red-hot pokers pianted at the back of the border will have their legginess disguised bp the spreading foliage of plants nearer the front. (2) — Plants of one kind should be pianted in groups, except for such plants as Gypsophila, which spreads over a wide area.

(3) — Each plant should be allowed sufficient space. (4) — Every plant shoul;d be set firnrly in the soil at planting time. ' (5)— 'Remember that these plants will be in position for several years, that they will expand. and occupy an increasingly large amount of space. They will therefore require substantial sustenance, and to this end it is essential to incorporate with the soil a generous amount of compost and farm-yard manure. (6) — Do not make the mistake of planting too soon after the border has been dug over. Let the soil settle down for a few days, this is especially important in our light soil. (7) — Aspect must be taken int6 consideration. To ensure conditions that will be acceptable to the greatest number of plants, it should have a Northerly aspect which gives the maximum amount of sunshine, Conditions for shade loving plants can be arranged. (8) To replenish the food used ip by the plants in the course of a season an annual top dressing of compost is puf on in the spring °vei this, scatter a liberal dusting of a complete fertilizer. During the year this border, like tlie rest of the garden, needs routine attenfcion. IVeeding1 being the most important; do not let the bed become choked with weeds, or a weary task lies ahead, as many of the plants will come up with the \ icious tugging needed to loosen the enemies. 'Couch grass and sorrel are two of the wrorst offenders in this respect.

As soon as the f lower stems begin to grow, stakes should bG provided never tie the stems up in jundles, otherwise the natural heauty of the plant will be lost. As the f lower stems appear, some thinning* should be done otherwise they suffer from crowding. A Michaelmas daisy with a single stem makes a wonderful display on its own; six stems to a root should be the maximum. In autumn when the tops of the boider plants turn brown, they should be removed, otherwise the gaiden takes on a very woe-begone appearance, in fact one of neglect. Next week we will diseuss the perennials that do best in our Taupo gardens. We should all endeavour to have a few clumps growing, even if we don't run to such a thing as herbaceous borders; 'be 'cause it is from these plants we gather most flowers for decorati . e \\ oi k, and nothing is so gay as a bnwl.