YOUR GARDEN AND MINE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 38, 15 March 1940, Page 41

YOUR GARDEN AND MINE

By

Ann Earncliff

Brown

(No. 25)

S New Zealand alpines and herbaceous subjects are now »much more frequently grown in rock gardens and raised borders, New Zealand gardeners are coming to appreciate the range and beauty of these native wild flowers from sub-alpine — regions. Beside mountain streams and in the shade of rocky ridges are found mountain lilies; senecios favour damp rock cavities; and celmisias star the more open spaces above the bush-line. Not all of us can hope to see these in their wonderful natural settings, unfortunately "While alpines can be transplanted from their native haunts quite successfully at this season of the year, it is also possible and satisfactory to raise alpines from seed. Moist and partially shaded rock gardens or raised, welldrained borders are suitable for these subjects. Where stiff clay sub-soils prevail, a layer of clinkers is advisable to provide good drainage. A little shingle and lime rubble in the soil is also an advantage. Native buttercups appreciate "the shadow of a rock in a thirsty land." As seed for sowing should be gathered when fresh, it is wise to sow thickly to allow for some immature seeds. A seed bed suitable for alpines requires: (a) A layer of clinkers covered with rough, chopped turfs, (b) Six inches of clean loam with 1 part sand and 2 parts leaf mould added, (c) A scrim-covered framework to cover seed bed.

Firm the seed bed, sow the seeds in rows, press down, and cover with thin layer of sifted soil. Water carefully with rose spray and cover with scrim. Germination of some varieties will not take place till spring. If seedlings are too thick, thin out; but leave the wanted plants in seed beds till the following autumn, when they can be transferred to their permanent positions. Ferns Punga ferns grow in the average garden where some shelter is given. A little hay forked over them will protect against injury from severe frosts, All New Zealand ferns can be grown most easily in bush houses where their native habitat is carefully reproduced. These ferns, if grown in pots or the mossy cavities of native tree trunks, are very successful and decorative under the shelves of the ordinary greenhouse, Mountain Lilies The mountain lily (Ranunculus lyalli), flowers in its second or third year after sowing, and remains ag garden subject for two or even three years, but should then be replaced by fresh seedlings. Veronicas Veronicas, white, blue, and purple, range from minute prostrate plants to tall, almost tree-like shrubs. As veronicas are not long-lived, but grow readily from cuttings, it is wise to have a supply of fresh strikes to replace those plants which are dying out.