GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 65, 15 April 1953, Page 6

GARDENS IN TAUPO

"FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN THE SPRING"

(By

Flora.)

It is time for planting subjects that will provide f lowers during spring and early summer. Foremost are ihe bulbs, sueh as narcissi, tulips, anemones, ranunculus, hyacinths, chionodoxas and freesias. A few general rules may help the gardener who may be planting some of these for the first time. They do best in a deep, well euitivated soil. Good drainage is essential, and we .are forcunate in this respect in Taupo. This I think, is one of the main reasons that bulbs of all classes do well here. No fresh farmyard manure should be used prior to planting, but ground manured for a previous crop is ideal. Bone meal, bone flour or bone dust are safe manures to use and will not harm the bulb if they come in contaet with it. A general rule for planting is to plant bulbs jdouble their depth in the soil. For exampfe, should the bulb measure an inch in diameter, place two inches of soil above it, But in our light soil a little deeper is all to the good. Tulips. Having already dealt with the planting of daffodils in the Times of January 21st., I wdll omit thern now, and pass on to the tulips. j These are lovely things, obtainable in beautiful clear colours, reds, yellows and maroons. Unfortunately they are liable to a virus disease which causes striping in the flowers. This disease is carried by the greenfly, so should your plants become infested be sure to dust them well with an insecticido. Destroy all bulbs that have produced these damaged fxowers as it is from these that the virus is carried. Hyacinths. These are very satisfactory, the soft pastel shades or deep blues and purples are all a joy and the perfume is an added attraction. They should be planted where they will receive full sun, yet sheltered from cold winds which tend to browm the looms. f liej/ are slow to increase | as a rule, so are somewhat expensive to buy. Grape hyacinths are suitable for edgings or carpeting undier deciduous shrubs. These increase rapidiy and are veiy hardy. Anemones and Ranunculus. The anemone is a native of Palestine. It is most useful for decorative work and may be obtained with either a double or single flower. The St. Brigid strain is most depeiidable. Anemone fulgens, the scarlet windf lower, is a smaller flowered variety. but very showy if grown in a mass. Ranunculus can be had in rnany shades, the bright crimson of various art shades being the most de- j sirable, but as a rule they are sold I in mixed colours. Glory of the Snow. The Chionodoxa, the Glory of the Snow Howers in its native habitat, the European Alps, as the snow melts in the spring, so that cold does not worry it. Its bright blue flowers with their conspicuous white centres are very cheering, anu are useful toi1 cai'peting ui^Jer deciauous tlowering shrubs. 11 Freesias. Freesias are rather tender, subject to a late frost should one occur just as the bleoms are opening, so plant them in a sheltered spot. Under an over-hang is most suitable. They may be ootainea witn a large cream flower which has a delicious perfume, or in the new hybrids which come in many colours but have little or no scent.