FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1938, Page 5

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

SOME FAVOURITE PLANTS. Most of us feel reluctant to part with the annuals that have graced the borders and beds during the summer, but when plants become straggly and unsightly it is time to let sentiment go by the board, and so we must root them out and make room for new favourites. The ground must be dug deeply and manured with well-rooted manure in preparation for the seedlings that ?Tre intended to brighten the dull days of winter. Of the sweet-smelling flowers, the old-fashioned wallflowers (or Gilly flowers) are first favourites' The annual early-flowering variety are easily grown, even in warm districts. As these flowers grow only to a height of twelve or fifteen inches, they make a fragrant border which will perfume the whole garden. It is a good plan to have a number of perennial plants and shrubs in the borders, as these -■ do not require so much attention as the annuals. Of these, lavender shower plant is exceptional for both indoor and outdoor decoration. .The fernlike foliage is light and graceful, and carries dainty mauve flowers. This plant dies down in winter, and comes up again in spring.

Heuchera or “coral bells” are also suitable for garden and indoor decoration. The stems are long and wiry, and tlie dainty bells which give the flowers their name are a deep coral shade.

Other suitable perennials are aquilegia, cannas, marguerite carnations, Michaelmas daisies, foxgloves, gaillardias, geraniums, hollyhocks, penstemons, polyanthus, and primulas. For a gay edging sow seeds of aubretia. This dwarf annual (six inches high) makes a colourful display in borders or rockeries. Alyssum in lilac, white, or yellow (perennial) is also effective as a border. Sow the seeds in clumps where the plants are to grow, as they do not transplant well.

Other bedding plants are Virginian stock, viscaria, verbena, Verbascum, and violets.

Vinca or periwinkle is a perennia adapted for trailing over windowboxes or rockerie.s.