Planning for displays of flowering bulbs should be undertaken now, as different varieties are available to flower over an extended period.
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Freesias, jonquils and daffodils, which can flower as early as June, should be planted first. Snowflakes, Dutch iris, anemone and ranunculus then follow. Hyacinths and tulips can be planted by May, producing flowers in spring.
If planting bulbs in pots, the use of a good quality bulb-planting mix will assist in the production of a beautiful display. Group pots together, or place them in strategic areas of the garden where the flower colours will be most effective.
Bulbs planted into the garden should be placed into a well-drained position that receives sun for at least half the day. Bulbs generally are planted to a depth that is twice their width. An initial watering should be applied, and then the plants can be left until the leaves begin to appear, unless the soil around the plant appears to be very dry.
Cold-climate bulbs such as tulips and hyacinths will respond much better if they are placed in the crisper section of the fridge for a period of 4-8 weeks, prior to planting. This is especially important in our warmer climate. Remember to label the bulbs so that they aren’t accidentally included as food, as some bulbs are poisonous if ingested.
STRAWBERRIES
Early autumn is also an ideal time for the planting of strawberries. An open, sunny position will give best results. Strawberries make attractive subjects for pot culture, provided they are kept adequately watered and fertilizer is applied regularly. Plants that are certified virus-free should ideally be used, or “runners”, which are the long thin plantlets produced by parent plants, may be used.
To ensure adequate feeding of the plants, soil that has had compost and aged cow manure added to it is preferred. The new plants should have a 7cm layer of mulch applied around them, once they have been watered with a seaweed tonic.
If the plants are to be grown in rows, they should be placed about 30cm apart. Purpose-made strawberry pots are ideal if space in the garden is at a premium. The fruit-laden plants that result will be an attractive addition to the garden courtyard or landscape.
Established strawberry plants will by now have produced runners. These are long thin growths that have small plants at intervals along the growth. These should be removed from the parent plant, in order to strengthen the plant. The young plantlets that appear on the runners can be planted out into pots, using a good quality potting mix.
SWEET PEAS
One of the delights of a late winter / early spring garden is a display of sweet peas, whether they have been grown as one of the varieties that form a low border in a garden bed or a variety that climbs over a structure, forming a wall of fragrant colour.
Sweet peas are easy to grow from seed and many varieties are available, so the gardener is able to choose a variety that suits their own preference or situation.
March 17 (St Patrick’s Day) is regarded by many as the preferred day for planting out the seeds to ensure that they will be in flower before the hotter weather of late spring arrives. However, if the weather is still warm it may be preferable to delay seed planting until later in the month or even early April.
In preparation for the planting out of sweet pea seeds, the garden beds can now be prepared by adding some garden lime or dolomite to the soil, in addition to an application of blood and bone. This will allow the soil to settle in time for sowing the seeds. A sunny, well-drained position should be selected. One that is sheltered from strong winds will assist in preventing damage to the delicate flowers.
The soil should be watered well the afternoon prior to planting out the seeds so they are placed into damp soil. This will aid in their germination. Once the seeds have been placed into the soil, the surface should be firmed down.
It is preferable to withhold water for a several days after planting out the seeds, as they may suffer from rotting if the soil is too damp or too warm. If a climbing variety has been selected, then the structure that will be used to support the plants should be erected prior to sowing.
Small growing varieties of sweet peas that are available include: Bijou, a good choice for growing over low fences; Potted Fragrance, producing semi-dwarf plants up to 60cm in height and suitable for growing in large containers; Cupid, forming a ground cover in shades of pink; and Pixie Princess, the smallest grower, reaching 22cm and suitable for a hanging basket display as well as for use in the garden bed.
Taller growing varieties include: Colourcade, perhaps the most popular variety grown, producing brightly coloured flowers; Brilliant Fragrance, producing pale cream flowers that change to soft pink as they age; Original, the oldest variety with smaller, bi-coloured flowers in shades of maroon and mauve, but having the sweetest perfume of all the varieties; and Blue Reflections, providing a mass of flowers in shades of blue, mauve and white.
50 YEARS
Maitland and District Garden Club will celebrate its 50th Birthday on March 25, and wants to contact former members (49333703).