FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 August 1938, Page 8

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

SOME USEFUL HINTS. To the gardener the words of the song, “Happy Days Are Here Again,” are peculiarly applicable at this season of the year, for spring is almost here, and with it the fulfilment of dreams and the rich reward of months of preparation and labour. There is evidence on every hand that the acute shortage of flowers experienced during the winter has increase/i the desire in the hearts of most garden lovers to make up the loss by growing flowers—-and yet more flowers. Ranunculi, in a magnificent range of colours, anemones, stocks, poppies, lupins, ’jonquils, daffodils, and snowdrops, are all flaunting their banners, and filling the air with their fragrant perfume, and, with the promise of warmer days ahead, preparations should be well in hand for the rapid growth which is bound to follow Sweet-pea plants, should be carefully tied to supports to prevent them Iron? being destroyed, by wind. It is better to prune the plants to two .or three stems, as this ensures better flowers and longer stems than if the plants were allowed to grow naturally. Disbudding is essential if good blooms are wanted, and fading blooms should be systematically removed, for, if allowed to seed, the plant will weaken and flowering will cease. Carnations respond remarkably well to lime, so do not stint this commodity, and treat the plants to a liberal dressing. The lime should be well powdered and hoed in. The foliage will also benefit by a dusting, as it will help to counteract disease. Keep the soil well cultivated between the plants. For a brilliant display of colour, no flower exceeds the petunia, which flourishes in the hottest of weather, and which blooms profusely in summer and autumn. The seed for these delightful flowers should be sown now in seed-boxes. As the seed is very fine, it should be mixed with a little sand, pressed firmly into the soil, and covered lightly with fine sandy soil. It should be kept just moist. When the seedlings are large enough, transplant to rich, free soil that has been well limed previously and dug deeply. A sunny position suits them best. The double varieties, fringed and superbly tinted, will make a magnificent show, and the dwarf varieties which grow compactly, are extremely effective for edging beds and borders. Plant delphinium crowns in rich soil that has been well drained, and well limed. These stately flowers are very decorative for both outdoors and indoors, as they have a wonderful range of colour. A mulch of well-de-cayed manure, plenty of water in the hot weather, and an occasional dusting of lime are all beneficial to these handsome plants.