Evening star., 1935-06-08

II hIlL1 tllC luCdl IllIlC
l. for planting dahlias in this
region. Late planting regulates
IL the Towering period so that
it reaches its height in late
September and early October. when
the cooler nights and shorter days
provide ideal conditions for this
species. The dahlia is. by its very
nature, heavy feeder. This means
that the soil should be spaded deeply
and fertilized literally. One pound
per 40 square feet oft mixed fertilizer
may well be broadcast during the soil
preparation and a double handful of
shredded COW or sheep manure placed
under the hill but not in direct
contact with the roots. The dahlia
requires full sunlight exposure to do
its best and the plants should be
spaced at least by feet. The roots
may we'll be set inches below the
finished level of the bed and covered
at first with about inches of firmly
pressed soil. AS the shoots emerge
the soil may then be drawn in until
the bed is leveled. Most growers
place the stake near the root at
time of planting and attach the label
to the stake. This avoids mistakes
in naming. With the soil as moist
as it is now there is no need OF ap-
plying water and. in fact. good culture
is better than watering, unless
droughts occur. Cutworms sometimes
cause losses to young dahliaS and
may be deferred by placing bands of
tarred paper around the young stems.
Later on, in August, supplemental
fertlliAng as mulch around the
plants may be necessary to encourage
the strong growth that means large
and beautiful flowers.
Just as a suggestion for varieties,
there is presented the following list:
Satan. red semi-cactus: Jane Cowl,
old gold decorative; Kathleen Norris,
pink decorative; Amelia Earhart.
apricot semi-cactus; White Wonder,
decorative; Daily Mail. orange dec
orative; Cameo, coral rose decorative:
Paul Pf1tzer. pink cactus. and Sun
burst. orange decorative. There are
literally hundreds of fine varieties
and it would be impossible to suggest
a list of best kinds.
Climbing Roses.
7 Asst Winter was hard on the
climbing roses, much more so
than on the bush types. which re-
ceived some protection from the snow
which was on the ground during the
coolest days. Many climbers we're
killed to the ground. but are now
staging a strong comeback. Some of
the very beautiful new climbers. such
as Nine. Gregoire Staechelin and
Jacotte, were hard hit and supposedly
sturdy kinds, such as DR.. w. Van
Fleet and Silver Moon, were badly
hurt in the suburban areas. Yet one
cannot conscientiously urge the aban-
doning of these varieties in favor of
the old types with their mildew sus-
ceptible foliage. Climbing American
Beauty, with its mass of clear pink
blooms. is still favorite If its abun-
dance is an indication. Pauls Scarlet,
with its brilliant display of bright red
and long enduring flowers, is very
popular. 1t is question whether
Blaze of identical color and of ever |
blooming characteristics will succeed !
in displacing Pauls Scarlet. because |
so far it doesn't appear as vigorous a
grower and its value as Summer
bloomer has yet to be demonstrated |
locally. Golden Climber has very
beautiful flowers. but needs a moder-
ate Winter or two to display its worth. |
No list of climbers is fully complete !
without the old and tried Dorothy !
Perkins, mildew susceptible. but,
nevertheless, marvel of beauty with
its display of shell pink bloom after
most climbers have gone. There is
plenty of room for improvement in