IRISH GARDENING 



79 



likes, bloM' down? Howcvor, I must get to the 

 point. 



Annuals in clumps, and clumps are very desirable, 

 can be easily staked by inserting strong flower-stick? 

 firmly in the ground at intervals close to the clump. 

 Best, or better still, the green-twist or raffia tape 

 supplied by all seedsmen can then be stretched round 

 and tied firmlv to each stake. But vou must allow 



Propagating Arabis. 



Both the single and double Arabis may be propagated 

 easily by inserting cuttings in June and July, so it 

 is possible a note or two on the operation may be of 

 servi&e. . Pirst of all, the fresh young growths should 

 be used, for I am told that if the older " wood " of 

 either the Arabis or the Alyssum saxatile be used. 



room. No ugly bunching must be done, for your 

 object is to give the plants as natural a support and 

 an appearance as possible. 



Pea sticks are sometimes used for supporting 

 annuals, and are said to look very natural. I must 

 confess I have never tried them, so speak from liear- 

 say. 



Liines of annuals are at times supported by strong 

 poles at intervals, and bast, string, raffia tape, green- 

 twist or painted wire stretched along. This is a use- 

 ful method. Specimen plants of certain annuals, 

 say, for instance, the clarkia, godetia, or mignonette, 

 need separate supports, which should bo stakes of 

 neat appeai-ance and good strength. 



much more difficulty is often experienced in attempt- 

 ing to strike them. Having then obtained the 

 growths and made the cuttings properly by incision 

 of the stem just below a joint and the subsequent 

 removal of several leaves, prepare a bed of fine soil 

 with the rake. This may at pleasure be in full sun 

 or in semi-shade; it does not matter much. Then 

 put in the cuttings with a dibber; they should be 

 three or four inches long, and put that distance apart 

 each way. Water each evening is desirable for some 

 little time, and then, unless there be drought, the 

 cuttings may be left alone. Herein, perhaps, a note 

 of warning may be needed. The cuttings will ap- 

 l)ear in due course to shrivel up and die, but they are 



