EXCITE ADMIRATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 July 1938, Page 10

EXCITE ADMIRATION

SELECTED BASKET PLANTS. A suitable selection of well-grown basket plants invariably excites admiration, whether they are suspended from roof of greenhouse or under trees or porticos. If the baskets are constructed of Wire and have been in use previously, care ought to be taken to see that they are in serviceable condition. Fresh, green moss is the best to use, and this should be packed rather thickly and Well pressed before compost is brought in. It will obviously depend upon the plants to be employed as to the nature of the material to be used, but for general purposes good pliable loam, leaf mould, and sand well incorporated meet the requirements l of many plants. In filling up with compost it should be well pressed in to the top of the basket, as, after watering and allowing to settle, there Will be a certain amount of sinkage. There are many lovely things which may be used including fuchsias, campanulas of trailing form, trailing nasturtiums, lobelia, and even verbenas and ivy geraniums. When the plants have begun to make progress pinch out the centre shoot from each plant in order to secure lateral growths so that the sides of the basket may soon be covered. Foliage plants are also attractive and the several kinds of asparagus ferns always give a cool and inviting appearance during the hot months.