Evening star., 1945-07-22

those plants in whatever measure y
There are several ways to inc
multiplied in one way; others by a
different method.
Many biennials and perennials
are most easily increased by the
sowing of seed. To use any other
method would be a waste Of time
and an unnecessary expense. For
the greatest degree of success SOW
the seed at the time when the plant
would be normally sowing 1t. That
means that rockcress (Arabis)
alyssum, columbine (Aquilegia) and
the hardy evergreen candytuft
(Iberis) should preferably be sown
in June. Foxglove Digitalis)
painted daisy Pyrethrum), coral
bells (Heuchera) and Canterbury
bells (Campanula) along with several
others should be sown during July
The seed of shasta daisies, scabiosa
stokesia, gaillardia and platycodor
should be got into the ground by
mid-August. There are two ideas
back of this timing: Cd to have seed
sown while it is fresh, and CD to
allow sufficient time for the new
plants to develop good root systems
before winter sets in.
Sow the seed in coldframe or ir
protected spot where a steady
supply of moisture may be provided
and protection from wind and hot
sun may be given. Be sure that the
soil contains a good quantity oi
humus so that it will hold moisture
and let the top layer of soil be finely
sieved.
Sow seed thinly and press then
well into the soil. Cover lightly
A screen made of Stats or burlaI
will be found very helpful, as al
no time should the soil be allowed
to become dry. When the tiny
plants are large enough to handle
put them into another bed, allowing
room between plants for proper
growth. Again be sure that the
soil is well-enriched with humus
but add no chemical fertilizer. Con-
tinue to keep the earth moist and
for the first few days, protect the
plants from sun and wind. If these
young plants grow rapidly they may
be set out in the spaces planned
for them. If not, keep them II
the cold-frame until spring.
Some of these same perennial:
may be increased by root cuttings
In many cases this is the right
thing to do, for by such a method
each new plant will be an exact
replica of its parent, while some
times plants do not come true from
seed. Phlox and columbine are eX-
cellent examples. Shasta daisies
iris, daylilies (HemerocalliS), phlol
and columbine are best divided int
three parts. If too small a division
is taken the small plants of botl
phlox and columbine will add littlt
to the garden the following year
Better TO divide them every thirt
year. The daisies will make a goot
strong plant by fall and from eacl
small division of a chrysanthemun
a plant as large as the paren
will develop by fall All excep
the chrysanthemum should be di
vided in late August or early Sep
tember. Peonies, bleeding-heart an
some other early spring bloomer
should be left undisturbed for year
on end.
PoppieS should be propagated il
August. Dig up the plant to be in
creased and take cuttings from tn
roots. Choose well-developed roots
Cut each root into pieces 8 inche
long and lay them in rows in a cold
frame, covering them with laye
OF sand or sand and peat moss a
least an inch thick. Begin to wate
the cuttings in the early spring ant
very soon fine plants will be read.
to be moved. A number of othe
plants may be treated in a likl
manner.
Candytuft, creeping phlox (Phlo,
subulata, often called mosspink)
and pinkS may be increased by stem
cuttings. Just beneath the poin
where leaf grows out, cut off (
piece of the stem Remove tn,
lower leaves on the cutting and an.
flower head. Plant these 3-incl
pieces of stem in a box of mois
sand. Keep them moist and shade,
and very soon fine new crop o
some much-admired variety will b
ready to set out.
| In these ways it is possible +
obtain many fine plants from tn
first ones which were purchased AM
much satisfaction is in store TO
the gardener.
| n
! Many requests have come in re
garding the feeding of hydrangea
to control the color of the blossoms
If pink blossoms are preferred. us
lime; if blue ones, use ID heav,
/