January 1, 1910 
— Attention to Borders, &¢. — 
Allow no gaps to remain in the borders, 
as they seriously mar the general effect. 
Substitute failures with plants kept in 
reserve for the purpose, and fill in spaces 
and annuals of free and rapid growth. 
Make note of any errors in grouping, or, 
on the other hand, of any striking and 
Successful effects that inay have been 
accidently obtained. Closely observe the 
Telative heights, the spread, habit, and 
Character of all plants; also their colors: 
any similarity there may be shade or 
form, their period of bloom and its 
duration to aid in future grouping and 
arranging, 
— Perennial Phloxes. — 
Perennial phloxes are among the most 
decorative things in the border. They 
are gross feeders, and amply repay a rich 
Soil and abundant supplics of water. The 
best blooms are produced on two and 
three year old plants; after the fourth 
year it is advisable to make a fresh 
Planting. Stronger ani better plints 
. « 
SER NENG dees a 
a 
A Fine Collection of Gloxinias. 
result from cuttings than from divisions 
Pinching and cutting tack the shoots 
will induce them to bloom well on in the 
autumn. BS 
— Cockscombs. — 
Cockscombs, with their rich and varied 
tones and unique character of growth, are 
admirable little border plants. Plenty of 
sun and water are their principal require- 
. - 
ments. 
— An Improvement to Borders. — 
Nicotiana tabacum is a very desirable 
thing on account of its handsome tropical 
looking foliage and the ornamental flower 
it bears. It considerably adds to the 
effect of a border, and is easily raised 
from seed. Sah 
— Budding and Pruning Roses. — 
Roses can be budded during this and 
next month, Take buds from those it is 
‘desired to propagate, and insert in a 
seedling briar stock. In some cases, with 
Marechal Niel for instance, the Banksia 
can be employed. Tea roses judiciously 
pruned at this season will be encouraged 
to produce better blooms in the autumn. 
Much of this pruning can be done when 
the flowers are cut if care is taken always. 
to cut back to a strong outside bud. 
Many plants can be induced to bloom 
continually if they are occasionally 
sheaved over. It is generally easy to see 
when this method will answer by the 
fresh growth that is always found spring- 
ing up from its base. Coreopsis and 
antirrhiniums can be thus dealt with, 
PRINTING 
EVERY DESCRIPTION 
Neatly, Cheaply, and Promptly 
‘Executed. 
AUSTRALIAN GARDENER 
OFFICE, 
Corner Pirie & Wyatt Sts 
