GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 86, 11 September 1953, Page 6

GARDENS IN TAUPO

THE HERBACEOUS BORDER

( By

Flora)

It it extremely difficult to choose from the wide range of perennials those which give the greatest show of colour over the longest period, and are yet easy to bring to perfection. Surely, however, each in its own way has its individual setting and charm. One thing to bear in mind when setting out herbaceous plants is that most are gross feeders, and that as they may remain in position fpr several years the drain on the food supply is considerable. Therefore it is essential that you enrich the bed with large quantities of composted materials. The addition of blood and bone will provide nitrogen and phosphates. while most of these plants benefit also from potash. Most prefer a neutral soil, but carnations, delphiniums, bearded iris, chrysanthemum, peony and Michaelmas daisy all benefit from a dusting of carbonate of lime. Chrysanthemum We associate the chrysanthemum with Japan but actually they are native to China. To the Chinese this was the choicest of flowers, symbol of culture and retirement, and the Chinese name, "Yeh ching," means "soul of every sun." Our name comes from the Greek word meaning "golden flower." These plants flower when . the flush of summer blooms is past, though there is now on the market a summer flowering variety, suitable for Taupo with its risks of early frosts. Btit do not neglect the late flowering varieties, especially if you can give them a little shelter. Do not surround them by trees as they tend to develop mildew and are by nature sun-loving. P'ropagate in spring by suckers which grow up round the old stem. Delphinium and Lupin. Wonderful hybrids of the stately delphinium are now available, such as the Pacific and Bishop strains. Each floret is of giant size with a marvellous colour range. But whether your blooms be large or small, do grow a few for decorative work, tantalizing as their showering petals may be. They thrive in a deep well cultivated soil, enriched with well decayed cow manure. You may raise from seed, or take cuttings from existing plants in spring when the growths are about three inches long, care being taken to have a heel at the base. Slugs are fond of delphiniums so keep a watch. The lupins now grown are a far cry, from those that cover coastal sandhills and scent the summer air. For the improvement we have to thank the hybridist Russell, by whose name they are now known. Lupins massed in a profusion of colours may make an impressive mid-summer display and if spent flower-heads are removed they will often flower again, though spikes may not be so long. They are equally at home in full sun or partial shade. They may be sown from seed planted in autumn. As they rather resent root disturbance, they should be left undisturbed when once established. Planted in groups they are eff ective, as is also the case if they are grown in conjunction with bearded iris.