FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 October 1940, Page 9

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

SOME USEFUL HINTS. The colourful beauty of perennial phlox makes this flower a general favourite in the herbaceous borders. Rich deep soil is necessary so that the roots will be kept moist during hot weather. Phlox resent being kept dry, so give them a soaking from time to time. A light sprinkling is no good when watering, as it only brings fine roots to the surface, where they get scorched by the hot sun, so make sure that the water gets right down to the roots. The force of the water should not be too great, as it only washes the. soil away, and the plants, deprived of the support, fall over easily. Again the need for passing the hoe over the beds and borders after watering must be stressed, as it prevents caking of the surface soil, and it conserves the moisture; indeed, this operation is almost as important as the actual watering. Dianthus (garden pinks) make ideal edgings for the rose beds. A bed of white roses may be edged with either pink, dark red, or orange-scarlet dianthus and red roses with white or pink. There are various types of these flowers, some are most attractive placed in small groups among other varieties, and the deltoides or maiden pinks I (dwarf plants with small flowers) are delightful when introduced to a rock-1 ery or crazy pavement. ’

When planting pot-grown evergreen shrubs during hot weather give the plants a good soaking a few hours before planting, then turn them out of the pots gently, loosening the lower roots and taking care to disturb the earth round them as little as possible. The holes should, of course be already dug and prepared for their reception. Deep digging, a good supply of wellrotted manure and fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, and efficient drainage are all essential to their well-being.

If the shrubs or trees are advanced specimens grown in tins, cut the tin down at the four corners and lift the shrub carefully into position. Cover the roots with fine, sandy soil, and pack it firmly round with the hand, then tread round the plant with the feet. Water well before filling up with soil. For colour in the porch or verandah sow petunias (balcony types) in hanging baskets or pots. These plants, being pendulous and of branching habit make a brilliant splash. They do well in free, rich soil, and, if given sufficient water, will grow without any trouble. They are also suitable for windowboxes. When transplanting young aster seedlings set them out rather closely so that the foliage will act as a shade to the roots which lie just below the surface of the soil. Do not allow the roots to dry out, and be careful when loosening the soil round the plants not to cover any of the foliage. Dust the plants occasionally with lime. Watch out for the green caterpillar, which eats the leaves. Spraying over and under the leaves with arsenate of lead will keep this pest away.