October 1, 1908 
THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. .. 
FLAKE CARNATION. 
Carnations willneed some attention at 
this season of the year, if the best pos- 
sibie results are desired, from a decora- 
-tive point of view. Where an excessive 
number of shoots are present on old 
plants, these .should be thinned 
out, leaving about six well placed leaders ; 
also remove some of the weekly» laterals 
or side growths on the selected shoots, 
retaining those that are strongest and 
-occur nearest the base of the plants. 
The plants should be staked or supported 
as being of a brittle nature they are 
-likely to suffer from the effect of wind, 
“The best method is to inake a circle of 
PICOTEE. 
| guano 
wire netting, about 18 inches or 2ft in 
he ght, and of sufficient diameter to en- 
able the whole of the plant to be trained 
within it. A stake should be threaded 
through the ends of the netting to make | 
the circle, and audther at the opposite 
side, and each stake securely fixed in the 
soil. This is the best means of support 
for the fiower shoots, and is also a barrier 
against rabbits. which if present, will 
attack carnations in preference to any 
An 
manure 
other plant. 
with liquid 
or 
occasional watering 
made from 
some such manure and 
soot, will benefit the plants greatly, 
adding to the size and number of the 
blooms. Soot is a valuxble material to a 
carnation grower, as, in addition to its 
value as a manure, it keeps mealy bugs 
and other pests from attacking plants. 
TURBAN RANUNCULUS, 
Paeony-formed flowers, whose vivid colors 
are very attractive. Very effective in 
beds and masses. 
, Summer, 
_ they are sure to give satisfaction. 
’ plants will be put back by frost in winter. 
NEW MINIATURE SUNFLOWERS, 
Specially remarkable for their rich pro- 
fusion of flowers, which are borne on long, 
erect stalks above the dark green foliage. 
A great acquisition for cut flowers. 
LT SL | 
The Bouvardia is oné of tle most 
useful dwarf plants for border decoration 
“or for cutting, blooming freely during 
-and The original 
types’ (natives of central America), of 
which B. leintha, splendens, and trip- 
hylla are still found in many gardens 
were all red flowered; but garden hybrds 
much superior to 
autumn. 
have been produced 
those in form and size, and varied in 
color. They are specially snitable for 
small gardens, but should not be planted. 
close to large shrubs or trees. A loamy 
soil suits them well, and with a fair 
supply of water during dry, hot weather 
The 
unless sheltered, but will break away 
into growth again in the spring. 
©Y TEA 
You Right. 
