THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
July 1, 1909 
Sessa 
HELICHRYSUM. 
Helichrysum is the most common species of everlasting flowers, and probably the 
most useful of all, as it can be had in such a variety of colors from the bracteatum 
type, from pure white to scarlet-crimson, with innumerable tints between. 
They 
ought to be cut in a variety of stages, from small buds to fully expanded blossoms, to 
obtain the widest range of variety, 
Helichrysums are very suitable for small as well 
as tall vases, and for bouquets and wreaths. If our readers made a sowing of Heli- 
chrysums when advised in this journal, the seedlings should be ready to transplant 
: with the other annuals this month. 
The Flowet Garden. 
Notes for the Month. 
— The Open Beds. — 
All the beauty of autumn fiowers, such 
as Chrysanthemums and Zinnias, which 
are amongst the showiest bloomers. have 
given signs of decay, and the erstwhile 
beautiful Dahlia plants all help to fill up 
the beds with gaunt looking objects that 
have done their duty in flowering. All 
the useless top growth must be dug up 
and cast aside if this has not already 
been done. However, before setting fire 
to the rubbish heap care should be 
observed to see that a stool of each 
variety of Chrysanthemums has been 
carefully set aside in some sheltered 
corner, kept for the purpose of preserving 
them. They will be wanted for replant- 
ing in August or September. ~The same 
with the perennial Phloxes. 
Zinnias will have been dug out of most 
garden plots, although in favorable 
situations they may be kept going in 
flower even up to the end of the month, 
But the bulk of these plants are now on 
the rubbish heap, and probably a number 
of gardeners have not troubled to keep 
the seeds. This should have been done 
from the best flowers, and set aside for 
sowing in the early spring. 
Coxcombs, too, in a like manner, 
should have had the seeds taken out for 
planting in spring. By the way, it is a 
little strange that these very showy 
plants are so much neglected by the 
amateur gardener. The are just as easy 
cultivated as any other flower, and make 
a good variety for any garden. mou 
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum), peren- 
nials, have for some months been giving 
a continuous supply of seeds after their 
vari-colored blooms, some of which are 
exceedingly pretty, and the best of them 
having been kept, named, and planted, 
' are coming on again as seedlings to be 
planted out during the month of August, 
although forward plants from the nur- 
suries will be of full growth already. 
Balsams, which were flowering right up 
to the middle of June, are amongst the 
most highly prized open garden plants, 
although, being thirsty growers, they 
require a plentiful supply of water. The 
beauty of these flowers is not shown t0 
the best advantage, because of the close 
growth of the leaves with the blooms, but 
as pot plants they can be much better 
appreciated. The blooms have a modest 
habit, too, of hanging their heads, possi- 
bly oxing to the weakness of the flower 
stem. They should be more popularly 
cultivated. Some of the Solferino variety 
and the Victoria are charming blooas. 
The double and single blossoms aré 
equally pretty, and the seeds of these 
should be kept for planting in the 
spring. 
a Young Plants, — 
By the first of this month most of the 
hardy and half-hardy annuals will have 
been planted out into well-dag plots, put 
into good heart by a full layer of old 
stable or cowyard manure turned in. If 
possible to get it the best manure i8 
obtained from stables bedded with saw- 
dust. This makes a compost, after 
having been wel! rotted, that will grow 
most plants. 
Itis not too late in the season 1? 
remark that the preparation of the soil 18 
of first importance to successful garden- 
ing. Care should be taken to see that 
the soil is well drained. If not, the 
ground will become sour and soddened 
with water, especially during the winter 
rains. 
Seedlings are very tender little things, 
and in planting them out three essential 
elements should be observed. First, th? 
preparation of the soil, upon which thei 
life depends, and future gratification of 
the gardener. The ground should b@ 
well manured; well dug, with the toP 
soil in a fine tilth; and well drained. 
The man who will not dig with the blade 
of the spade completely hidden up to th? 
shoulder does not deserve the pleasure of 
getting pretty flowers, and the chance 
are that he will not be so rewarded 
Second, they should be protected from 
frosts, slugs, and snails, which are tho 
common enemies, and against which they 
