FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 May 1938, Page 4

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

STOCKS AND LARKSPURS. Few flowers give so much fragrance as the old-fashioned stocks, and a bed of these delightful flowers in many charming colours will reward the grower for the trouble and care necessary for their cultivation. Those who put in seed early in the year will have the satisfaction of reaping a harvest of flowers in winter. For a later blooming, sow the seeds of Giant Perfection and Ten Week now. Purchase a good strain of seed, as there is usually a bigger percentage of doubles in choice seed . Good, welldrained soil in a sunny, airy position in the garden will suit them admirably. Sow the seed sparingly, and transplant the seedlings to their permanent positions when they are about a couple of inches high. The transplanting should be done in dull weather. Do not use fresh manure in the beds. Failure in raising good stocks can often be traced to badly-drained soil. They do not like excessive moisture, and if water is allowed to lie about the roots they are apt to become diseased.

Lime is necessary to bring out the colour in the flowers, and to ensure good, hardy growth.

Larkspurs, from a decorative point of view, are exceptionally valuable as cut flowers, as the flower spikes are eight or nine inches long on plants three feet in height. Sown in separate colours of dark blue, sky blue, carmine, pale pink, bright pink, old rose, scarlet, lilac, and white, a bed or two of these old favourites will transform your garden into a place of unbelievable beauty. Well-rooted plants of the newest carnations are now to be had. Well-drained, friable soil is essential, and this should be dug deeply, and some well-rooted animal manure and bonedust incorporated with the layers underneath. A top-dressing of lime is beneficial. Let the beds settle before planting out. Put the plants in firmly, about 18 inches apart and about 2ft. between the rows, and do not plant deeper than the base of the first set of leaves. Give them a good watering after planting.