GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 29, 30 July 1952, Page 1

GARDENS IN TAUPO

ABOUT PERENNIALS

(By

Flora.)

This week we will continue our di&cussion on Perennials; those suitable for growing in Taupo. OLupins — We now know this sectioxi as Russell Lupins, they are of exceptional merit obtainable in many pleasing colours with long and sturdy spikes. If you can give them a deep rich soil it is all to the good, but they seem to put up, and f lower quite well even if it is on the light side. Potash improves the vigour of the plant. Nepeta (Catmint) — This is exceptionally hardy, but very attractive with its grey foliage and masses of small mauve flowers. A border of catmmt to your iris bed is really very efTective. To keep the plants within bounds cut back as soon as they finish flowering, Paeony-— These are lovely things, but a great deal of patience is needed; as they take at least two years to settle down and flower after being shifted. Once planted move as little as possible. They are gross feeders and t-hjeir roots penetrate a long way in search of food and moisture. Although their season of flowering is brief they are wonderful when in fcloojn, especially the double-flow-ered kind. Phlox (Perennial) — These need no introduction I ani sure, as you will find a few clumps in most established gardens. Few plants give such a brilliant display of colour during the summer and autumn. Partial shade is an advantage otherwise the colours are liable to bleach in strong sunligfht. To maintain their vigour divi-de every third year. They like a m^jlch of leaf mould or manure during the summer. Pyrethrom — These are invaluable plants for an early summer display and for providing cut flowers for deeoration. This daisy like flower is now available in a wide range of colours, chiefly reds and pinks. If the plants are vigorous they can be cut back after flowering, gdven a good watepng of liquid manure, and you get a second crop of flowers. Pentstemon — These are hardy and wiil flower for several years without much attention. The modern pentstemon has tall spikes of bloom in colour ranging from pure white to the deepest shades of crimson, purple and carmine. These spikes of Leil-like fiowers last well in water,, Scabiosa, Pin-cushion flower — Lovely shades of pink, blue, mauve and lavender flowers are borne on t hwiy inch stems very suitable for picking They require a well drained soil. ^hasta Daisy — Like most of the daisy family, it does well in Taupo. It has an exceptionally long flowering season, blooming for months from early summer to late autumn. They will grow satisfactorily in partial shade or full sun light; not parficular as to soil; but rather fond of moisture in summer, although ev e rt the lack of it does not deter them from blooming. One called Esther Reed is a desirable one with double flowers. Phyllis Smith is somi-double with somewhat shaggy flowers. Violas — Phese wee plants are very hardy, they grow readily from cuttings or small rooted pieces, planted out in the autumn; by early spring the plants will be well-rooted and can be lifted with a ball of soil to their permanent positions. They d o particularly well among or around deciduous shrubs. : ' ' * " Violets — Although violets are very

hardy and will live and flower even when neglected; they should ,be well cultivated if they are to produce flowers of good quality. The bed should be well manured with farmyard manure, plant in rows 12 inches apart and 9 inches between plants. Nearly full sun is necessary if early flowers are desired. The chief drawback to violet cultivation is thq susceptibility of the plants to attacks of red-spider during hot dry weather. This pest can be kept in check by regularly watering the plants especially foliage.