FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1938, Page 5

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

COLOUR SCHEMES. Although it is always the best policy to buy good seeds, .it does not follow that seeds are inferior because they are cheap. Reliable seedsmen do not cater solely for the wealthy, and they are as helpful to the gardener who has to practise economy as they are to those who can afford to have the most expensive plants without counting the cost. Included in the list of hardy annuals are some of the gayest flowers in cultivation, yet, for a few pence per packet, and with a minimum of attention, they can be grown to a perfection that will satisfy the most modern craze for colour. One of the most colourful flowers for winter flowering is the Iceland poppy, a flower which has achieved a welldeserved popularity because of its high decorative value.

Those who put in seeds of Iceland poppies earlier should have the seedlings ready for planting out now. Rich soil, generous waterings, and plenty of sunshine are necessary for good results with these choice tenants of the garden. Another flower which is worth cultivating, and which has improved beyond all recognition of late years, is the calendula ob English marigold. As these plants grow into fair-sized clumps, give them plenty of room.

A bed which is a mixture of brilliant colours can be effected by sprinkling a packet of mixed eschchoItzia seeds over the surface soil and raking them lightly in. The seedlings should be thinned out to about six inches apart. Gaillardias can also be sown where they are to grow and thinned out when the seedlings are up. As these hardy plants grow to a height of from eighteen inches to two feet, they are useful to relieve the formality of shorter plants. The flowers, singles and doubles, are creamy white, red bronze, and rich red wtih orange tips, and are most attractive.

The homely nasturtium should not be despised, particularly the double dwarf variety, which is a most useful addition to the borders. Nasturtiums will thrive in any soil and flower abundantly. The dwarf varieties grow to a height of 12 inches, and the climbers to 15 feet. Salpiglossis has been called “the orchid of hardy annuals.” Brilliantly coloured and marked, they are strikingly beautiful flowers, and will thrive in hot, sunny situations.

Seedlings of stocks should be ready for transplanting now to their permanent beds. Plant them about a foot and a half apart. Lime is essential to bring out the colour of the flowers, and to ensure vigorous growths, but do not, on any account, give them too much wtaer. Seeds of stocks can be sown now.

Of the blue flowers, delphiniums are first favourites. They are most satisfactory if treated as annuals. When they are ready for transplanting, put them into good rich, deeply-worked soil about twelve to fifteen inches apart.

Another useful blue flower is the Centaurea or cornflower, which blooms profusely in winter.