Evening star., 1951-01-28
This Week
in the
Garden


which usually go unnoticed. Many
newly planted iris and perennials
were pushed out of the ground
some garden markers received the
same push and sap started flow
ing in many of the earlier grow
ing trees and shrubs. The cold
spell that followed was not too
abrupt and hence likely did little
damage. The gardener should
check over the perennials, stakes
and even bulbs to see that they
are not lost" pushing them back
into the soil or covering as the
case may dictate.
Oftentimes plants growing in
water may seem to have been
stopped. This is likely to be due
to the water becoming foul" A
thorough rinsing will take care
of this. Charcoal is sometimes
used to prevent this condition.
perhaps Floralife will do the
same. 1t is important that a close
check be kept on the plants or
bulbs that are growing in water
to see that the water is in good
condition.
1t is not too late to SOW seeds
of the hardy ANIMALS in places
where they are to bloom. Seeds
soWn at this season of the year
will start into growth as soon as
the weather permits and will pro-
vide better display of bloom
than will those planted in March
or April If the soil is too wet
to work the seeds may be covered
with a thin layer of compost or
sand.
1t IS not too early to begin tax
ing cuttings from the Forsythia
and other early pring-flowering
shrubs for forcing. When cut,
the branches should be placed in
water in a cool room for a few
days until the buds begin to swell,
then bring into a warmer room,
IS to so degrees. where they may
be kept until the buds are ready
to burst their sheaths. A moist
atmosphere is best for this period
of development.
In his lecture last week, DR..
John Creech, superintendent of
the Plant Introduction Station.
Glendale, Md, emphasized again
and again the usefulness of
sphagnum moss for starting
seeds. cuttings and roots. Few
home gardeners take advantage
Of this inexpensive. dependable
Mr.. Creech stated the
moss may be pulverized by rub
bing on screen made of "a inch
hardware cloth. The moss may be
used alone or as a layer over soil
for starting seeds and when so
used there is practically no dan
ger from loss due to the damp
ing-off disease.
An inexpensive serviceable cold
frame may be made from shelving
for a base frame and a plastic
substitute for glass for the cover.
The frame should be made with
The front edge inches lower than
The back to permit of the maxi
mum sunlight. The cover should
oe mounted on light frame and
hinged at the back to permit
In the cold frame and
ease Of ventilation. Mound the
soil about the base to keep out the
cold. A soil mixture containing
sand and sifted compost is best
for starting seed in a cold frame.
It is interesting to note in the
Rose Society's 1850
yearbook that the 1850 ratings Of
the newest roses is generally lower
than of some Of the older varieties.
Crimson Glory still carries the top
rating with Peace not far behind.
Mission Bells. Suffers Gold and
Capistrano, three of last years
AARS. are too far down the scale
considering all of the publicity
given them at the introduction.
Fashion, floribunda. is the only
1850 introduction that received a
high rating compared to the older
varieties. w. H. Y.